INVC NEWS
Beirut — : In a major turn amid rising Middle East tensions, Hezbollah has announced it will not immediately retaliate against the United States or Israel following a series of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The statement comes after President Donald Trump confirmed a successful U.S. operation targeting Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities.
A spokesperson for Hezbollah, speaking exclusively to Newsweek, stated that “Iran is a strong country capable of defending itself” and emphasized that Hezbollah remains committed to the ceasefire agreement with Israel. This decision marks a significant pause from a group known for backing Iran’s regional interests with military force.
U.S. Strikes Trigger Regional Shockwaves
On Saturday night, President Trump revealed that stealth bombers and precision missiles had destroyed key Iranian nuclear facilities, which were previously deemed critical to Iran’s uranium enrichment programs. The Fordow site, deeply embedded within a mountain, along with Natanz and Isfahan—two other highly fortified installations—were among the primary targets.
Trump called the operation a “spectacular military success”, noting that these attacks were aimed at neutralizing what he labeled the “nuclear threat from the world’s leading sponsor of terror.”
Hezbollah Reaffirms Commitment to Ceasefire
Despite longstanding ties with Tehran, Hezbollah has chosen not to escalate militarily—at least for now. “We remain committed to all matters agreed upon since the ceasefire,” the spokesperson reiterated, referring to the truce reached with Israel in November last year. That agreement followed over a year of violent flare-ups, including the 2023 Hamas-led attack that sparked regional conflict and drew in multiple Iran-aligned militias.
Israel, however, remains cautious. IDF airstrikes have reportedly targeted Hezbollah’s leadership and infrastructure in recent days, citing fresh intelligence that the group was attempting to restore its operational capabilities.
Hezbollah responded by accusing Israel of truce violations but maintained a measured tone, stating, “Despite the attacks carried out by the Israeli enemy, the party has remained committed to the agreement.”
Israeli Warnings and Internal Pressures Rise
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Hezbollah’s new leader, Naim Qassem, stating, “He hasn’t learned from his predecessors.” The reference was a nod to former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in 2024.
Katz warned that Israel’s “patience has worn thin” with Hezbollah, suggesting that any misstep could provoke full-scale retaliation. Meanwhile, Hezbollah clarified that while Qassem has offered vocal support to Tehran, the group’s current restraint hinges on future developments in the evolving crisis.
The Bigger Picture: Iran’s Response and Regional Strategy
Iran has yet to formally retaliate against the United States for the strikes, although officials in Tehran have warned of “grave consequences.” The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that the facilities were hit but claimed the attacks won’t derail Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In its response, Tehran accused the U.S. of violating international law and the U.N. Charter.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has called on global powers to condemn the strikes. Meanwhile, Iran’s allies—including Hezbollah—appear to be exercising caution, avoiding any immediate escalation while gauging U.S. and Israeli intentions.
Hezbollah’s Strategic Calculus in a Shifting Landscape
Hezbollah’s restraint may reflect a tactical shift in its regional playbook. With its leadership transition still fresh and Lebanese internal politics highly fragile, the group may be seeking to avoid dragging Lebanon into a full-blown regional war.
Moreover, analysts believe Hezbollah is calibrating its response to preserve long-term influence rather than trigger a premature conflict that could isolate its base or draw an overwhelming Israeli response.
“We support Iran politically, and the region is volatile,” the spokesperson concluded. “But Iran has the capacity to defend its sovereignty on its own terms.”
Middle East on Edge as Tensions Escalate
While Hezbollah refrains from direct engagement, the broader region remains volatile. U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies are on high alert for potential covert retaliation, cyberattacks, or proxy escalations across Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon.
All eyes are now on Tehran—and its next move.
