Hezbollah declares planned retaliation
Hizbullah Vows "Appropriate Response," Stays Neutral Amidst Iran-Israel War
In a turn of events, Hizbullah, the pro-Iranian militia, has threatened an "appropriate response" as the war between Iran and Israel escalates. Leader Naim Qassem stated that Hizbullah is not neutral in the conflict between the two enemy countries. This announcement comes after the US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, warned Hizbullah against intervening in the war between its main supporter and Israel, stating that doing so would be a "very, very, very bad decision."
Iran Reinforces Revolutionary Guards with New Intelligence Chief
Iran has appointed a new intelligence chief for the Revolutionary Guards. Brigadier General Majid Chadami is the new head of the intelligence department, taking over from the late Mohammad Kasmie. Kasmie, along with two other intelligence officers, were killed in an Israeli air strike on June 13. Chadami's appointment follows the recent appointment of Mohammad Pakpour as the new head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards after his predecessor, Hussein Salami, was killed in another Israeli air strike.
Iran Safeguards Enriched Uranium from Israeli Strikes
According to a commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guards, Iran had secured all highly enriched uranium before Israel's attack. Mohsen Rezai, a former commander and Major General, stated that Iran had moved all materials away and obtained full control of them. He also emphasized that the scientists and factories for producing nuclear equipment were secure. Rezai claimed that Iran had anticipated the war in March.
** US Clears Military Bases, Redeploys Jets in Qatar**
In response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, the US has allegedly cleared a military base in Qatar within the past two weeks. Around 40 military aircraft were withdrawn from Al-Udeid base between June 5 and 19. Three transport planes remained behind.
Damage to Iran's Nuclear Reactors
The Israeli air strike on Iran's nuclear facilities at the Chondab site has caused severe damage to the concrete shell of the heavy water reactor. High-resolution satellite photos clearly show visible signs of impact on the reactor dome. Remarkably, buildings in the immediate vicinity of the reactor remained undamaged. Israeli reports suggest that facilities for heavy water production were also hit in Chondab.
Israeli President Praises Merz for "Dirty Work" Remark
Israeli President Jitzchak Herzog praised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his statement that Israel is doing the "dirty work" for the West with its military strikes against Iran. Herzog criticized those who doubted Israel's actions, stating that Israel is essential in defending Europe and the United States.
The Weakening of Hezbollah
Following a ceasefire agreement in 2024, Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah operatives have continued, but Hezbollah has largely avoided direct confrontation. Lebanese political leaders have called on Hezbollah to avoid involvement in the broader Israel-Iran conflict to prevent Lebanon from being drawn into the war. Hezbollah's leadership has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire, signaling a strategic decision not to escalate conflict with Israel at this time.
Despite setbacks in its regional proxies, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues efforts to support and rebuild these groups. However, Hezbollah's military capabilities have been significantly weakened by Israeli military campaigns and supply chain disruptions. Despite this, Iran has resorted to alternative methods, such as air transport and limited overland shipments, to maintain support for Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias.
- Middle East Conflict
- Israel War
- Iran Conflict
- Iran Nuclear Program
- Middle East
- Wars and Conflicts
- The Middle East conflict, particularly the war between Israel and Iran, has led to increased political cooperation among regional actors, as evidenced by Lebanese political leaders calling on Hezbollah to avoid involvement in the broader conflict to prevent Lebanon from being drawn into the war.
- Amidst the ongoing Iran conflict and the escalating Israeli war, Hezbollah's military capabilities have been significantly weakened by Israeli military campaigns and supply chain disruptions, forcing Iran to resort to alternative methods, such as air transport and limited overland shipments, to maintain support for Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias.
