We are not separate from you.. we are with you
Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei, expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people. He stated, “We are not different from you. We share your pain and suffering.” This message was delivered through Tasnim International News Agency, highlighting the connection between Iran and Lebanon amid ongoing conflict.
The situation intensified on October 8, 2023, after Hamas attacked southern Israel, prompting Hezbollah to engage in support operations along the border. Since then, daily exchanges of gunfire have occurred. In a related escalation, Israel increased military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, starting September 23, 2024.
Casualties have risen sharply. Over 3,500 people in Lebanon have died due to the conflict, according to the health ministry. In Israel, 46 civilians and 78 soldiers have lost their lives in the ongoing exchanges.
What role does Hezbollah play in the Iran-Lebanon relationship, especially in the context of recent conflicts?
Exclusive Interview with Middle East Specialist Dr. Nora Al-Hassan on Iran-Lebanon Relations and the Ongoing Conflict
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Al-Hassan. In light of recent events, can you provide context on Iran’s solidarity with Lebanon as expressed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei?
Dr. Nora Al-Hassan: Thank you for having me. Khamenei’s statement underscores a deep ideological and geopolitical connection between Iran and Lebanon, particularly through the lens of Hezbollah, which Iran supports both militarily and financially. His remarks, “We are not different from you. We share your pain and suffering,” reflect an effort to portray Iran as a regional ally of the Lebanese people, reinforcing their narrative of resistance against Israel.
News Directory 3: The situation escalated significantly following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 8, 2023. How does this impact the dynamics in Lebanon?
Dr. Al-Hassan: The Hamas attacks have indeed amplified tensions. Hezbollah, positioned as a defender of Lebanon, has been drawn into the conflict. This is significant since it could lead to broader instability not only in Lebanon but throughout the region. The exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border have expanded the conflict’s scope, making it more complex and dangerous.
News Directory 3: With casualties mounting on both sides, how do you assess the humanitarian implications of this conflict?
Dr. Al-Hassan: The current death toll is devastating. The reported casualties in Lebanon, over 3,500, highlights the toll this conflict takes on civilians. The situation in Gaza is equally alarming, with the health ministry reporting over 43,000 fatalities. These numbers signify a humanitarian crisis that is escalating. The international community needs to respond to the humanitarian needs of the affected populations, as prolonged violence will only exacerbate these conditions.
News Directory 3: What are the potential repercussions of this conflict for Iran’s strategic interests in the region?
Dr. Al-Hassan: Iran has a vested interest in maintaining its influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah. If the conflict escalates further, it could lead to increased Iranian military involvement, which may provoke a stronger response from Israel. This would not only threaten Iran’s regional alliances but could also open the door to wider military conflicts, destabilizing the region even further. Iran must navigate this situation carefully to protect its strategic goals without igniting a larger conflict.
News Directory 3: Lastly, how do you foresee the resolution of strained relations and hostilities in the region?
Dr. Al-Hassan: Immediate resolutions seem unlikely, given the entrenched positions of the involved parties. A sustainable peace would require a multifaceted approach, including diplomatic engagement, humanitarian aid, and possibly international mediation. Until then, the cycle of violence is likely to persist, with civilian populations bearing the brunt of the conflict.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Al-Hassan, for your insights on this critical issue.
The violence erupted in Gaza on October 7, 2023, after a significant Hamas attack, resulting in the deaths of 1,206 individuals, mostly civilians. The attack also included the abduction of 251 people, with 97 still held in Gaza.
In response to these developments, the Israeli military has conducted operations in Gaza, leading to the reported deaths of at least 43,922 people, the majority of whom are civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.