Iran Warns: Attacks Won’t Cease Until Israel’s Gaza War Ends

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in a recent interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stated that regional conflicts and attacks by Iran-backed groups would persist as long as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. He asserted that ending the conflict in Gaza could lead to the resolution of other regional crises.

This statement reflects the stance of various armed groups influenced by Iran. Since the onset of Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7 and Israel’s subsequent response in Gaza, there have been increased tensions across the region. Hezbollah, for instance, has been actively clashing with Israeli forces along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Furthermore, Houthi rebels have targeted commercial and Western military ships in the Red Sea, while Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Syria have mounted several attacks against US military positions. These activities have led to numerous close calls.

Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah has indicated that the confrontations along the Lebanon-Israel border will continue until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza. Iran has also been more directly involved recently, launching ballistic missiles at a supposed Israeli spy base in Erbil, Iraq, and striking targets in Syria and Pakistan against groups Iran deems responsible for attacks within its borders. Iran’s actions have drawn condemnation from Pakistan, which warned of possible retaliation.

Amir-Abdollahian emphasized Iran’s commitment to combating terrorism and noted positive relations with Iraq and Pakistan, despite recent tensions. The US’s recent designation of the Houthis as a terror group and its military strikes in Yemen to diminish Houthi capabilities have further escalated tensions.

The Houthis have vowed to continue their naval operations against Israeli-linked ships as long as the conflict in Gaza persists. The State Department, through spokesperson Matt Miller, has expressed a desire to prevent further escalation in the region.

Israel’s military chief Herzi Halevi has also stated that the likelihood of a northern front war has increased, prompting Israel to heighten its readiness for potential conflict with Lebanon. Amidst these rising tensions, China has called for restraint and emphasized the need for peace and stability in the region.