Iran's joint military command warns Israel over attacks on southern Lebanon

DUBAI - Iran's Top Joint Military Command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said in a statement on Tuesday that Israel  should expect a hard response from the Iranian armed forces if it did not stop its attacks on southern Lebanon, days after Tehran and Washington announced a MoU to end the regional war.

The warning underscores persistent tensions in the region despite the recent diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and the United States. The MoU, announced earlier this week, was widely viewed as a significant step toward de-escalation after months of direct and indirect confrontations involving multiple regional actors.

Iran has long positioned itself as a key backer of Hezbollah and other groups in Lebanon. The statement from Khatam al-Anbiya reflects Tehran’s determination to deter further Israeli actions in areas it considers within its sphere of influence, even as it pursues diplomatic understandings with Washington on other fronts.

The timing of the warning highlights the complex and fragile nature of the current regional landscape. While the US-Iran agreement has raised hopes for reduced hostilities, longstanding flashpoints — particularly along the Lebanon-Israel border — continue to pose risks of renewed escalation.

Analysts suggest that Iran is seeking to send a clear message that the MoU does not diminish its commitment to its regional allies or its readiness to respond to perceived threats. Israeli officials have not yet publicly responded to the Iranian statement.