"We Created a Monster"
Iran’s reckless behavior over the last 24 hours, including its threat to attack Israel if Israel strikes Beirut, is a direct consequence of how the recent war ended.
Tehran now feels far more confident in its position, believing it successfully withstood military pressure from what it views as the two most powerful militaries in the world: the United States and Israel.
This is not a temporary spike in rhetoric. It is part of a broader and more dangerous trend. Iran increasingly sees itself as the patron and protector of its regional proxies, extending what amounts to an informal security umbrella over groups such as Hezbollah and other members of the so-called “Axis of Resistance.” The threat against Israel over Beirut reflects this growing sense of ownership and responsibility for its partners across the region.
More importantly, this is further evidence of a profound shift in Iran’s decision-making process following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. For decades, Khamenei was fundamentally cautious when it came to the direct use of Iranian military power, particularly when the risk of confrontation with the United States was involved. That restraint appears to be fading.
We are entering a new era in which Tehran feels stronger, more secure, and increasingly confident in the credibility of its deterrence. Iranian leaders now appear to believe that their willingness to absorb military pressure and survive it, has enhanced rather than weakened their strategic position.
The result is a more assertive Iran, a more dangerous Middle East, and a growing risk that future crises will escalate faster and further than anyone anticipated.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tells Al-Mayadeen:
If Israel attacks Beirut, the result will be the return to war. Either the war stops in both Iran and Lebanon, or it doesn't stop neither in Iran nor in Lebanon.
Our armed forces are ready to launch devastating strikes against the occupied territories at any moment.