The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, issued a harsh statement against Israel, calling the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon a “strategic defeat” for the Jewish state.
In his message to Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem, he stressed that this event is evidence of “the weakening of Israel and a harbinger of its disappearance.”
Salami also noted that the IDF allegedly failed to achieve its military goals in lebanon, which was further evidence of Israel’s “weakness” in the current conflict.
In turn, Hezbollah throughout the war declared its readiness to continue attacks on Israel until its military operation in the Gaza Strip was entirely stopped.
However, he stressed that Iran reserves the right to respond to airstrikes carried out by Israel on Iranian territory last month.
Speaking about the prospects for a truce reached through israel’s agreement with Lebanon, araghchi said that despite iran’s continued official position aimed at eliminating Israel as a state, he hoped that the truce could develop into a long-term ceasefire.
Answering the question about whether this agreement can reduce tensions between Israel and Iran, the minister noted that further developments of the situation will depend solely on the actions of Israel itself.
Earlier, Kursor reported that Iran boldly commented on the truce between Israel and Lebanon.
Iran welcomed the end of Israeli “aggression” in Lebanon.
Interview with Dr. Amir Khalil,Middle East Politics Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khalil. We’ve seen some striking developments regarding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander hossein Salami’s recent statements against Israel, particularly in the context of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. How do you interpret Salami’s claim that the ceasefire represents a “strategic defeat” for Israel?
Dr. Amir Khalil: Thank you for having me. Salami’s assertion is quite meaningful.He implies that the ceasefire not only signifies a military setback for Israel but also reflects a broader decline in its regional influence. By describing the situation as a weakening of Israeli power, he seeks to bolster Hezbollah’s position and signal Iran’s backing of its allies. This rhetoric aims to portray israel as vulnerable, especially after the IDF’s inability to achieve its military objectives in Lebanon.
Time.news Editor: That’s intriguing. Given the ongoing conflict dynamics, how does Hezbollah’s stance of continuing attacks on Israel until the Gaza operations cease play into this narrative?
Dr.Amir Khalil: hezbollah’s readiness to continue its offensive is a critical element. it effectively pressures israel while displaying a united front alongside Iran. By framing thier actions as a response to Israeli aggression, Hezbollah reinforces its legitimacy in the eyes of its supporters. This directly ties into Salami’s narrative of Israel’s weakening position, as hezbollah’s resilience could enhance their strategic reach and influence across the region.
Time.news Editor: There’s also the mention of Iran reserving the right to retaliate against Israel for airstrikes on Iranian territory. How does this affect the potential for de-escalation amid these tensions?
Dr. Amir Khalil: It complicates the situation considerably. While Iran officially presents a stance aimed at neutralizing Israel, this assertion of retaliation suggests readiness for confrontation. The prospects for de-escalation hinge on Israel’s actions moving forward. Should Israel seek to avoid further provocations, there might be room for a lengthy ceasefire. However, any aggressive maneuvers could very well trigger further Iranian involvement and escalate tensions.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned a long-term ceasefire. Based on the current agreements, what are the chances of actually achieving lasting peace between these entities?
Dr. Amir Khalil: That’s the million-dollar question. While there’s hope, particularly from Iranian officials like Araghchi who seek to pivot towards a long-term truce, the success of any ceasefire ultimately rests on mutual confidence-building measures. If Israel demonstrates a commitment to refrain from further aggression, it might open pathways for dialogue.However, as we have seen historically, entrenched positions and mutual distrust often define relations in this volatile region.
Time.news Editor: In light of these developments, what practical advice would you give to our readers regarding how to stay informed about Middle eastern politics?
Dr. Amir Khalil: Staying informed requires cross-referencing diverse news sources for a well-rounded view. Following expert analyses and insights,rather than just headlines,can provide deeper understanding. Additionally, engaging with regional think tanks and scholarly articles on Middle Eastern affairs can be invaluable. As events unfold, understanding the nuances of political rhetoric and military actions will help readers grasp the complexities of the situation.
Time.news editor: thank you, Dr. Khalil, for sharing your insights on this critical topic. It’s essential for our readers to grasp the implications of these statements and actions in the region.
Dr.Amir khalil: Thank you for the prospect. this is indeed a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern politics, and it’s vital that the conversation continues.