Iranian Officials on Attacks in Lebanon

Following 24 hours of confusion and silence, Iranian officials and state-censured media are commenting on suspected Israeli attacks against Lebanese Hezbollah, but the regime does not appear to have a clear answer to its regional adversary Israel. 

• September 19: Addressing the Cabinet, President Masoud Pezeshkian said in his first comments on the attacks against Lebanese Hezbollah, as quoted in reformist Shargh Daily: 
  • “What transpired in Lebanon is a source of embarrassment to the West, in particular the United States … Instruments made for the sake of easing the work of human beings are now used as instruments of terror and elimination of those with whom they disagree … Savagery and crime are on the rise … More than anything, this event demonstrated that Western countries, and the Americans, contrary to their claims, are not in favor of a cease-fire. They are wholeheartedly supporting the crimes, murders, and blind terror of the Zionist regime.” 
• September 19: “Divine punishment awaits the criminals,” said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Chief Commander Hossein Salami, in an open letter to Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, as quoted by IRGC mouthpiece Tasnim News.  
• September 19: In an interview with IRGC mouthpiece Javan newspaper, former Communications Minister Reza Taghipour commented on how to protect Iran against “cyber infiltration”: 
  • “In the past, we emphasized the importance of cyber security. If we don’t pay attention and do not follow the necessarily protocols and security standards when it comes to our networks and equipment used by our citizens, we will be extremely vulnerable. These things happen all over the world, and naturally, we are not immune from such threats … The one lesson we should learn from these events is to rely on domestic technology when it comes to our networks.” 
• September 19: In its first commentary on the Israeli attacks against Lebanese Hezbollah, Kayhan newspaper, mouthpiece of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called it “a sign of helplessness” and warned “the axis of resistance is ready to exact revenge.” 
• September 19: In reformist Etemad newspaper, Ali-Reza Shaker argued:  
  • “Israel is using any means at its disposal to entangle Iran and its allies in an all-out war in the region … This regime knows well that it is incapable of countering Iran and Iranian allies on its own. During Iran’s missile attack, Israeli allies, such as the United States and Britain, defended it and intercepted many of the missiles and drones. Now, it is with the backing of these countries that Israel is engaged in new adventurism.” 
  • “In such delicate circumstances, Lebanese Hezbollah and Iran are facing difficult choices: If they don’t answer Israel’s provocations, they may lose credibility … and if they retaliate, they will face a harsh reaction from the United States and other allies of Israel.” 
  • “Iran and Hezbollah can subject Israel to international diplomatic pressure … Iran and Hezbollah can also engage in asymmetric tactics against Israel … short of an all-out war … Iran can also demonstrate its military power in war games and the like … all in order to preserve the credibility of Iran and Hezbollah … But most important of all, Iran must keep its cool and avoid entering the trap Israel has prepared for Iran!”   

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