US defense and intelligence officials fear the potential consequences of a fully escalated war between the Israeli Occupation and Lebanon as it could solidify military cooperation between Iran and Russia.

Insights from current and former US officials outlined concerns over the ripple effects of an “Israeli” ground assault on Hezbollah, Middle East Eye (MEE) reported.

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US intelligence suggests that Russia may escalate its support for Iran's Axis of Resistance in response to any “Israeli” actions targeting Hezbollah.

In Yemen, there are indications that Russian President Vladimir Putin contemplates providing Houthi rebels with advanced anti-ship ballistic cruise missiles, a senior US official disclosed to MEE.

The potential Russian assistance to the Houthis is not unprecedented. Last year, reports surfaced that the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, planned to supply Lebanon's Hezbollah with an air defense system.

General Frank McKenzie, retired commander of US Central Command, pointed to a potential link between Russia's regional maneuvers and broader geopolitical rivalries, suggesting that Russian actions in the Red Sea could be perceived as retaliation against perceived US provocations in the Black Sea amid the Ukraine war.

Additionally, William Usher, a former senior Middle East analyst at the CIA, stated, "If Israel were to launch an attack inside Lebanon, it would likely deepen the military collaboration between Iran and Russia to bolster Hezbollah's defense capabilities.”

"There are indications that Russia is already considering how it might assist the Houthis," he added.

Russia maintained close ties with Iranian forces and allied groups supporting Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

Earlier this year, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov of Russia welcomed a Houthi delegation in Moscow, signaling ongoing diplomatic engagements with groups aligned against US interests in the region.

However, providing arms to the Houthis presents a more delicate situation for Russia compared to supporting Hezbollah, given Moscow's efforts to court oil-rich Gulf states as allies.

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Moreover, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) intervened to dissuade Putin from proceeding with plans to supply missiles to the Houthis, according to US intelligence sources.

Discussions between Putin and MBS reportedly occurred following Putin's visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in December, during which efforts were made to ease tensions in the region, Reuters reported.