Iran has reacted sharply after Hezbollah commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai was killed in a sudden strike in Beirut.
The death, which threatens the fragile balance created by the November 2024 ceasefire.
The Iranian foreign ministry issued an intense statement on Monday.
Officials condemned what they called a “cowardly assassination” of the senior Hezbollah figure.
According to the statement, “the Iranian foreign ministry strongly condemns the cowardly assassination of the great commander of the Lebanese Islamic Resistance, the martyr Haytham Ali Tabatabai.”
The killing is considered the most significant loss for Hezbollah since the November 2024 ceasefire was announced.
Moreover, Iran says the attack “constitutes a flagrant violation of the November 2024 ceasefire.” Tehran also described it as “a brutal breach of Lebanon’s national sovereignty.” This direct tone has shown how seriously the government views the strike.
Hezbollah confirmed the death of “the great commander” earlier on Sunday. Tabatabai was known inside the group but remained largely unknown to the Lebanese public.
He was reportedly chosen as part of the new leadership structure formed after the last war.
His death therefore raises major questions about the group’s future strength.
Meanwhile, Israel has continued to launch strikes in Lebanon since the truce.
Officials in Tel Aviv often claim they target Hezbollah members and facilities.
This development arrives at a time when Hezbollah is already weakened.
The group has struggled since the conflict with Israel and the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
Assad’s government had provided a vital connection between Hezbollah and Iran.
Therefore, the sudden loss of Tabatabai may deepen the challenges faced by Iran’s regional influence.
Iran also suffered setbacks earlier in the year. Its nuclear facilities were damaged during Israeli and US strikes in a 12-day conflict.
The latest incident has now added more pressure on Tehran, which insists the ceasefire must be respected.
