Nasrallah, Iran’s Qaani: No war with Israel

Last week, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force engaged in strategic discussions with allies in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, amidst heightened tensions and the stalled ceasefire efforts in Gaza. According to reports, the focus of these discussions was Tehran’s directive to maintain focus on Gaza and to avert war with Israel under any circumstances, as detailed by a high-ranking Quds Force official to al-Jarida newspaper.

During an extensive meeting with Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, they evaluated the military dynamics in Lebanon, concurring that Israel’s intentions might be to provoke Hezbollah into conflict. Both parties agreed on the importance of not falling into what they perceive as an Israeli trap by avoiding direct confrontation, despite the significant toll on Hezbollah, including casualties, targeted positions, and the devastation of border towns in Lebanon.

Nasrallah and the Quds Force leader concurred on the strategy of enduring the current challenges without escalating to full-scale war, unless Israel attempts an incursion into Lebanon.

A notable aspect of their meeting was the participation of a Hamas military wing representative, who apprised them of Hamas’s relatively stable military condition in Gaza, claiming only a minor reduction in their capabilities contrary to expectations.

Discussions also touched upon the potential risks of broadening the conflict and its adverse effects on the Palestinian cause. Moreover, they deliberated on enhancing the covert delivery of support to Hamas, considering the possibility of the remaining routes being cut off.

The dialogue also ventured into planning retaliatory measures against Israel for the assassination of figures from the Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah.

This high-level engagement illustrates the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play and the concerted efforts to navigate through the complex landscape without triggering further escalation in the region.