Following the destruction of an Iranian consulate building in Syria, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised to retaliate against Israel. Despite a series of targeted attacks on Iranian-backed groups in the region, a full-scale war has not erupted.
Recent assassinations of key Hezbollah and Hamas figures have raised tensions, but experts believe Iran will prioritize rebuilding its militant allies and maintaining a network of proxies rather than engaging in direct conflict with Israel. The latest blow, the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, is seen as a significant setback for Iran.
While the situation remains volatile, current and former officials suggest that Iran’s focus will be on strengthening its presence in Lebanon and supporting its allies. The region continues to teeter on the brink of escalation, but the likelihood of a full-blown war between Iran and Israel appears low for now.