Israel attack on Lebanon, Hezbollah, US reports
US Officials: 'Hezbollah Has Been Set Back 20 Years'
US government officials told CNN that their primary concern is the possibility of Iranian intervention to support Hezbollah, potentially igniting a regional conflict. They estimate that Israel has significantly undermined Hezbollah's command and control capabilities. "They probably set them back 20 years," one American official stated.
According to CNN, US officials are particularly worried that Iran may decide to intervene if it perceives that Hezbollah is on the verge of losing its influence. "If they believe they are about to lose their most powerful proxy, they will step in," a source noted. The situation has reportedly brought the US closer to a regional war than at any time since October 7.
In a separate interview with CNN, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed Israel's intensified operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, emphasizing that Hezbollah cannot withstand Israel on its own. When asked whether Iran would advise its proxy to temper its response to Israeli strikes, Pezeshkian pointed out that Hezbollah is up against a nation "armed to the teeth with superior weaponry."
He asserted, "We must not allow Lebanon to become another Gaza at the hands of Israel." Pezeshkian added that Hezbollah cannot confront a country backed by Western nations, including the United States.
The Iranian president warned, "There is a real danger that the fires of conflict in Lebanon could spread throughout the region. This poses a threat to the future of the world, and we must act to stop Israel's ongoing criminal acts."