Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has vowed that the recent electronic device explosions in Lebanon will face “just retribution.” These blasts, which occurred on consecutive days, resulted in the deaths of 32 people and injuries to over 2,400, primarily targeting members of Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned Islamist group.
The attacks have been attributed to Israel, although the Israeli government has yet to officially comment on the incidents.
The explosions began with pager blasts on Tuesday, killing 12 and injuring more than 2,000. The following day, walkie-talkies detonated, leading to 20 additional fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed suggested that the use of pagers by Hezbollah was an attempt to avoid detection, as these devices are less susceptible to GPS tracking compared to phones.
The attacks signify a serious breach of Hezbollah’s communication capabilities, which could affect its operational flexibility.
Iran Vows Retaliation After Explosions Targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon Kill 32, Blaming Israel for Attacks
Pezeshkian condemned the attacks, describing them as a “treacherous mass assassination” and emphasized Iran’s unwavering support for Lebanon. He called on international organizations to intervene, labeling the bombings as heinous crimes. His comments indicate Iran’s readiness to respond decisively to what it perceives as aggression from Israel.
The escalation in hostilities is further underscored by Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, who remarked on a “new phase in the war” in the region. The ongoing tensions have raised fears of an all-out conflict, particularly given Israel’s military posture and recent activities aimed at countering Hezbollah, including thwarting an alleged assassination attempt on a former Israeli defense minister.
In light of these developments, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged restraint from both parties, warning that the situation could escalate into a larger military operation. The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the implications of these attacks and the increasing tensions in the region, signaling a critical moment for diplomatic intervention.
