Loss of 'Hezbollah Heights' in Lebanon triggers political infighting in Tehran: report

The loss of Hezbollah Heights, also known as Ali al-Taher heights, in southern Lebanon to Israeli forces has ignited a heated political dispute in Tehran. This ridge, overlooking Nabatieh and situated roughly 15 km from the Israeli border, has been a strategically significant territory for Hezbollah. On September 3, Israeli forces claimed operational control of the ridge, which was subsequently destroyed by Israeli forces on September 10 after a major detonation.

Iranian hardliners have accused negotiators who signed a June agreement with Washington of failing to safeguard Hezbollah's position in Lebanon. According to Iran International, this agreement, signed on June 28 in Islamabad, aimed to cease military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, and respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Iranian officials had hailed this clause as a diplomatic victory. However, the recent incident at Hezbollah Heights has sharpened criticism, as hardliners argue that the agreement was not effectively enforced.

The Israeli military reported that the destruction of the tunnel system extended over more than 2 kilometers, which included a command complex for Hezbollah’s Badr Unit, weapon storage sites, and living quarters. The operation involved detonating over 1,100 metric tons of explosives. While these claims cannot be independently verified, they highlight the significant loss of strategic territory for Hezbollah.

This military setback has now become a political tool in Iran, with critics pointing out the discrepancy between the agreement's promises and real-world events.