What Is the Truth Behind “Tensions Between Iran and Hezbollah”?

Iranian sources have addressed the Western media reports about alleged tensions between Iran and Hezbollah. These reports claim that Hezbollah requested Iran’s support to retaliate against the Israeli occupation following the loss of several senior commanders, and that Iran refused this request.

Regarding this, a high-ranking Iranian source from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who is well-informed about the communications between the IRGC and Hezbollah, told us: “These claims reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between Tehran and Hezbollah, as it is inconceivable that Hezbollah would make such a naive request to Iran.”

He further clarified, “Within the resistance axis, especially since the Gaza War, every party knows its role and capabilities in direct confrontations.”

Tensions Between Iran and Hezbollah

Another Iranian intelligence source, close to the Lebanese Hezbollah, preferred to remain anonymous and told us: “How could Hezbollah ask Iran to directly attack Israel to assist them, when it is geographically closer and well-armed with advanced Iranian missiles, in addition to its own arsenal? I can confirm that such a request was never made, and it never will be.”

In recent days, Western media outlets have reported that Hezbollah sought Iran’s assistance amid intensified Israeli attacks following the explosion of communication devices in Beirut. They claimed that Iran rejected the request, citing Israeli officials through the American website Axios.

However, high-level Iranian and Lebanese sources denied the accuracy of these reports to Sunna Files Web. Three Iranian sources and a source from Hezbollah asserted that “this never happened.”

Mobilizing the Resistance Forces in the Golan

Meanwhile, Iranian and Iraqi sources confirmed to Sunna Files Web the accuracy of reports regarding the mobilization of 40,000 fighters from Iraq’s Islamic resistance and the Houthis in the Golan, prepared to support Hezbollah in case the Israeli occupation launches a ground invasion into Lebanon.

An IRGC source indicated that “Hezbollah does not fear a potential Israeli ground invasion, as many might think. However, it does not wish to drag Lebanon into another war with the Israelis. Therefore, the Iranian leadership deemed it better to rally the forces of the resistance axis to intensify attacks on Israel, creating confusion and reducing pressure on Hezbollah for the time being.”

He emphasized, “Hezbollah does not seek a large-scale confrontation with Israel, nor does it wish to use its strategic weapons against Israel at this particular time, so as not to reveal them.”

He further mentioned, “In recent days, Israel has targeted Hezbollah’s weapons storage sites, and thus, it wants to avoid further losses.”

Sources from the Iraqi armed factions also confirmed to Sunna Files that 40,000 fighters from Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have moved to the Syrian Golan, awaiting orders from Hezbollah.

A commander from Iraq’s Kata’ib Hezbollah told Sunna Files: “There is no specific plan yet after the arrival of the Iraqi and Yemeni fighters to the Syrian Golan, but they are on high alert, awaiting instructions, and they will remain in the Golan rather than moving to Lebanon, per Hezbollah’s request.”

Awaiting Diplomatic Solutions?

Despite the military preparations, a source from the office of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei explained to Sunna Files that “everyone in Iran prefers a diplomatic solution. In the last meeting between Khamenei and IRGC leaders, the Supreme Leader advised them to wait until the Iranian president returns from New York before making any decisions.”

He affirmed, “Hezbollah and the leadership in Tehran hope for a quick diplomatic resolution, with efforts being led by France. However, we must be patient.”

At the same time, the Iranian source expressed doubts about the success of these diplomatic efforts, telling Sunna Files: “We have little confidence, both in Tehran and in Beirut, that these efforts will succeed, as Israel is prolonging the war not only to extend the conflict and delay the return of refugees but also to prevent any Iranian contact with the United States and European countries.”

The IRGC’s Position on Escalation

Concerning the IRGC’s stance on the escalation, a previous Sunna Files eport mentioned that IRGC commanders warned the newly elected Iranian President Masoud Bozorgkian, who succeeded in convincing Khamenei to postpone Iran’s response to Israel’s assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, about the dangers of such a delay and the weakening of Iran’s position within the resistance axis.

In a recent meeting between senior IRGC commanders and the Supreme Leader, the IRGC criticized Bozorgkian’s stance and his remarks in New York, where he stated that “Hezbollah cannot face Israel alone,” according to the same source.

Impact of the Delay in Iran’s Response on Hezbollah

The same Iranian source revealed that “IRGC commanders informed Khamenei that Israel’s current escalation in Lebanon is a result of Iran’s delayed response to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, and the Iranian president’s desire to revive negotiations with the United States and European countries.”

A source from the Supreme Leader’s office, who attended the recent meeting between Khamenei and IRGC commanders, stated: “Some commanders believe that Hezbollah should launch a significant retaliatory strike against Israel, targeting Tel Aviv and employing its advanced missiles.”

He added that “In recent days, IRGC commanders convinced Khamenei to allow Hezbollah to use long-range missiles like the Fajr-5, previously used to target Haifa. However, they still demand more action, at least as a form of retaliation for the loss of senior Hezbollah leaders.”

However, he noted that “Khamenei advised patience for the time being, with the preparation of other forces in the resistance axis, ensuring they remain ready at any moment, according to the plan coordinated between the IRGC and Hezbollah.”

Upcoming Plans for Hezbollah

Regarding upcoming plans, the IRGC source told Sunna Files that “Hezbollah is not seeking escalation, but rather aims to achieve long-term strategic goals.”

He continued: “In the coming days, Hezbollah will expand its attacks within Israel, without targeting civilians, and will utilize new weaponry, avoiding the use of its advanced missiles for now.”

He added, “Hezbollah is currently focused on draining Israel militarily and economically.” As for a potential Israeli ground invasion, “Hezbollah is fully prepared for it and even prefers it, as close combat with the Israelis would be a favorable opportunity for Hezbollah,” he noted.

It is worth mentioning that since Monday, September 23, 2024, the Israeli army has launched the “most violent and widespread” attack on Lebanon since the onset of confrontations with Hezbollah nearly a year ago. This has resulted in 640 martyrs, including women and children, along with 2,505 injured.

Since October 8, 2023, Lebanese and Palestinian factions in Lebanon, most notably Hezbollah, have been exchanging daily shelling with the Israeli army across the UN-drawn Blue Line separating Lebanon and Israel.