Iran's military vows retaliation as Lebanon ceasefire talks advance

A senior Islamic Republic military commander has vowed to Retaliate against Israel's attack last month, even as ceasefire talks between Israel and Lebanon gather momentum.

"The response to Israel's recent aggression has been devised beyond what the regime's [Israeli] leaders can imagine," Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, said on Tuesday. He added, "The Zionists have crossed the Islamic Republic's red lines. Iran will not tolerate any aggression against its territory and will ensure it does not go unanswered."

While Tehran has yet to take action, Israeli and US officials report that Israeli airstrikes on October 26 neutralized Iran's last three Russian-supplied S-300 air defense systems, significantly weakening its defensive capabilities. Israeli officials have asserted that Iran is now defenseless against further airstrikes, if it attacks Israel.

Tehran launched missiles and drones against Israeli twice this year, with limited impact.

Meanwhile, Israel appears close to approving a US-backed ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Tehran-backed Hezbollah. A senior Israeli official indicated that the deal could be finalized as early as Tuesday tonight, signaling an end to a conflict that has caused immense devastation since it escalated from the Gaza war over a year ago.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, speaking at a G7 meeting in Italy on Tuesday, shared optimism that a ceasefire agreement might be reached by Tuesday night.

The proposed agreement entails an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, with Lebanese forces assuming control of the area—a longstanding Hezbollah stronghold—within 60 days. Hezbollah would in turn cease its armed activities along the Litani River’s southern border.

During Israeli strikes, Hezbollah has suffered significant losses, particularly in its leadership ranks. Coordinated attacks in September eliminated thousands of Hezbollah operatives through targeted explosions and strikes. Key figures, including longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah, were killed, weakening the group’s command structure.

Tehran maintains a dual strategy of military responses and diplomatic engagement. While military officials remain uncompromising, Iranian government leaders advocate for a diplomatic resolution. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently expressed support for a ceasefire in Lebanon, saying, "We support efforts for a ceasefire on the condition that it would be acceptable to the Lebanese people, acceptable to the resistance, and synchronized with a ceasefire in Gaza."