Iran warns of broader war if Israel attacks Lebanon

In a recent development, the top U.S. military officer, Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, has issued a warning regarding a potential Israeli military offensive into Lebanon. Brown highlighted the risk of triggering a broader war that could endanger U.S. forces in the region, citing the possibility of an Iranian response in defense of the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli officials have been contemplating a military offensive in Lebanon if negotiations fail to push Hezbollah away from the border, with tensions escalating following cross-border attacks. The U.S. has been actively working to prevent a full-blown conflict, with efforts focused on brokering a diplomatic solution to the escalating situation. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is set to visit Washington for discussions with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other senior officials, where the issue is expected to be a key topic. Brown emphasized the challenges the U.S. would face in assisting Israel against a potential Hezbollah war, particularly in light of recent escalations and threats posed by the militant group. The situation has become increasingly volatile, with recent incidents including an Israeli airstrike killing a senior Hezbollah military commander in southern Lebanon, prompting retaliatory attacks from Hezbollah into northern Israel. The exchange of fire has resulted in casualties on both sides, with concerns mounting over the potential for a devastating conflict that could lead to mass civilian casualties. Experts have raised alarms over Hezbollah's significant rocket arsenal and its capacity to overwhelm Israel's defenses in the event of a full-scale war. Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has indicated the group's readiness for conflict, citing support from various militant groups across the region. The threat of a wider regional conflict involving Iran-backed fighters from multiple countries looms large, with the potential for a massive influx of jihadists into Lebanon and bordering Syrian areas. As tensions continue to escalate, the risk of a major confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah remains a critical concern, with the international community closely monitoring the situation for any further developments.