Concerns Rise Over Iran-Backed Hezbollah Attacks On US Interests

Intelligence reports have raised concerns about Lebanese Hezbollah militants targeting American interests in the Middle East.

As revealed by four officials speaking to POLITICO, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, is anticipated to direct its focus initially on US personnel in the Middle East.

“Hezbollah could draw on the capability they have … to put people [in] places to do something,” one of the officials said, referring to a potential attack on the US. “It is something to be worried about.”

Intelligence agencies are amassing data indicating potential attacks on both US troops and diplomatic staff overseas. Rising tensions in the region have officials even expressing increasing apprehension about a potential assault on US soil.

While officials did not disclose specifics about potential attacks, they underscored Hezbollah's capabilities compared to other regional terrorist groups.

In contrast to lone-wolf attacks, Hezbollah, Iran's biggest and richest proxy, possesses a sophisticated international network, enabling coordinated assaults, said the officials.

Criticism has surfaced over the Biden administration's perceived shortcomings in deterring Iran and its proxies in the Middle East, raising the prospect of heightened US involvement in the region amid efforts to counter China and Russia.

Despite escalating threats, senior Biden administration officials publicly stated their belief after October 7th that Tehran and its proxies are not seeking a wider regional war or confrontation with the US.

US troops in the Middle East have already encountered attacks from various Iranian proxy groups, prompting counterstrikes. While Hezbollah has refrained from major attacks since the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, concerns persist.