Smoke over Ali al-Taher ridge (file image)
Iran warns US of retaliation if ‘Israel’ attacks southern Lebanon ridge
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- The warning was reportedly delivered through Omani diplomatic channels, prompting US pressure that allegedly led to a postponement of the planned assault.
- More than a dozen IRGC officers, including senior military advisers, are reportedly sheltering with Hezbollah fighters in fortified positions beneath the ridge.
Tehran has warned Washington that it will launch a major retaliatory strike against ‘Israel’ if its forces launch a full-scale ground assault on the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, Reuters reported on Thursday.
The warning was conveyed to the United States via Omani diplomatic channels in mid-August.
According to regional sources, direct US pressure subsequently prompted the 'Israeli' military to postpone an imminent ground assault on the heavily fortified height, which overlooks significant swaths of southeastern Lebanon.
Read more: Iran attacks US targets despite Trump threats
IRGC advisors and Hezbollah Siege at Ali al-Taher
More than a dozen officers from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including at least two senior military advisors, are allegedly sheltering alongside Hezbollah fighters within fortified underground positions beneath the ridge.
'Israeli' occupation forces positioned south of Ali al-Taher have designated the strategic ridge a "primary operational focus", attempting to enforce a tight military siege to cut off food and water resupply drones dispatched to those inside.
Hezbollah’s media office reaffirmed that its forces maintain operational control over the hill and stand ready to confront any 'Israeli' ground invasion/
"Iran considers any Israeli move on the ground in southern Lebanon, especially territorial expansion, a major violation of the Islamabad Agreement," the Hezbollah media office said.
Washington denies receiving threats
When questioned regarding Tehran's diplomatic warning, the White House rejected the reports, stating briefly: "This is not accurate".
