A missile from the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts incoming projectiles in northern Israel, on June 8, 2026. (Credit: Jalaa Marey/AFP)
Iran's decision to retaliate directly for Sunday's Israeli strikes against a Hezbollah office in Beirut's southern suburbs caught everyone off guard. Certainly, Tehran had already threatened to attack northern Israel if the Israeli army resumed operations against Hezbollah's main stronghold in Lebanon. But the Iranians had not previously carried out their threats, citing their "strategic patience." Moreover, the Israeli strikes had remained relatively contained — especially compared to the massive destruction of March and April — leaving a way out for Tehran.However, since the regional war began, the Iranian regime's calculations have changed significantly. After the assassination of Ali Khamenei, it is the country's ideological army, the Revolutionary Guards, that holds the levers of power, while the...
Iran's decision to retaliate directly for Sunday's Israeli strikes against a Hezbollah office in Beirut's southern suburbs caught everyone off guard. Certainly, Tehran had already threatened to attack northern Israel if the Israeli army resumed operations against Hezbollah's main stronghold in Lebanon. But the Iranians had not previously carried out their threats, citing their "strategic patience." Moreover, the Israeli strikes had remained relatively contained — especially compared to the massive destruction of March and April — leaving a way out for Tehran.However, since the regional war began, the Iranian regime's calculations have changed significantly. After the assassination of Ali Khamenei, it is the country's ideological army, the Revolutionary Guards, that holds the levers of power, while...
Iran and Hezbollah 'weaker than ever,' but war is 'not over yet,' Netanyahu says
