As Iran’s leadership shifts amid war, Hezbollah moves to reset the balance: expert

Amidst escalating tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel, Hezbollah has intensified its involvement, launching long-range missiles from Lebanon into northern Israel, prompting Israeli retaliation. This escalation follows coordinated strikes on Iran and coincides with Hezbollah declaring readiness for "open war." Experts suggest Hezbollah's actions aim to support Iran, which seeks to reestablish deterrence, while also ensuring its own survival amidst potential shifts in Iranian leadership. Israel has responded with airstrikes and expanded ground operations near the Lebanese border, while the U.S. Embassy in Beirut has closed. The situation reflects a widening conflict with potential regional implications.

Following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire, escalating regional tensions. Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at Haifa, Israel, claiming it was retaliation for Khamenei's death and recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Israel responded by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, with the Israeli defense minister vowing a "heavy price" and marking Hezbollah's leader as a target. The Lebanese government condemned Hezbollah's actions and banned their military activities. The exchange follows a wider conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US, which began after a joint US-Israeli attack on Iranian leadership.

Following a Hezbollah attack on an Israeli military site in Haifa, Israel has intensified its military actions in Lebanon on March 2, 2026. The Israeli strikes, targeting southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs, have resulted in at least 31 deaths and mass displacement of civilians. Hezbollah's attack was a response to Israel's assassination of Iran's supreme leader in Tehran. The Lebanese government has outlawed Hezbollah’s security and military activities and ordered the arrest of those who carried out the rocket strike. The United States has reportedly declared the ceasefire in Lebanon over and will not interfere with Israel's attacks unless Lebanon designates Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.