Chadi Hileneh, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency 

Iran's Bandar Abbas Port and Southern Beirut... Two Airstrikes, One Message

New reality aimed at completely ending Hezbollah’s military presence

Southern Beirut witnessed heightened tensions on Sunday after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings to buildings in the Hadath–Jamous area, subsequently launching an airstrike that destroyed a warehouse. Israel claimed the targeted facility was associated with Hezbollah. Strategic analysts interpreted the strike as a clear signal tied to broader regional dynamics, particularly amid growing speculation over a potential nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran.

The escalation comes as Tehran faces mounting pressure to make further concessions in ongoing negotiations, with intensified calls for Iran to dismantle its armed proxies across Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine, and Yemen. Observers note a visible U.S. "green light" allowing Israel to escalate militarily, using force as a means to influence regional negotiations, a development that places Lebanon at increasing risk of further destabilization.

Significantly, Sunday’s airstrike followed an explosion a day earlier at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, suggesting a possible link between the two incidents as part of a broader escalation in regional tensions. Meanwhile, U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen continue unabated, further fueling volatility.

Analysts indicate that Iran is facing considerable diplomatic pressure to recalibrate its regional strategy. With the balance of power currently tilted against it, Israel appears to maintain a military edge over Iran's proxies, a fact underscored by Sunday’s successful strike on a Hezbollah military site. The move signals Israel's continued capability to hit deep into Beirut’s southern suburbs at will.

International and U.S. reports suggest that Israel intends to maintain sustained pressure on Hezbollah by targeting its infrastructure and leadership remotely. In parallel, Hezbollah’s resistance to calls for disarmament could provoke Israel into broader military action, potentially aiming to reoccupy areas south of the Litani River and decisively dismantle Hezbollah’s military presence.

The developments come at a critical moment for Lebanon and the broader region, raising fears of a wider conflict if current tensions continue to escalate.