Iran has issued a stark warning to Israel following the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander, with former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei stating that such targeted killings are accelerating regional instability rather than achieving their intended goals.
Former IRGC Commander's Grave Warning
Mohsen Rezaei, speaking at a memorial service in Kerman on November 25, 2025, delivered a strong message about the consequences of Israel's ongoing campaign against resistance groups. The former Revolutionary Guards commander emphasized that the elimination of senior commanders, including Hezbollah chief of staff Haytham Tabatabai, would not weaken these groups as intended.
"Israel's campaign of targeted killings is fueling greater instability across the Middle East rather than weakening resistance groups," Rezaei stated during his address. He further warned that these actions would only serve to deepen regional resolve and accelerate what he described as Israel's "strategic decline."
The Beirut Strike and Escalating Tensions
The recent Israeli strike in Beirut that killed Tabatabai has significantly heightened tensions in the region. Lebanese media outlets have been actively warning about possible retaliation from Hezbollah, while Iranian officials have openly accused Israel of provoking a wider conflict.
Israeli authorities have maintained their position that the operation constituted a precise strike targeting a key military architect of Hezbollah. However, the timing and location of the attack have raised concerns about potential escalation beyond current conflict zones.
Regional Implications and Future Scenarios
The assassination comes amid already heightened tensions in the Middle East, with multiple conflicts simmering simultaneously. Rezaei's comments reflect growing concern among Iranian leadership about Israel's increasingly aggressive stance toward Iranian-backed groups in the region.
Analysts suggest that the killing of such a high-profile Hezbollah figure could trigger significant retaliation, potentially opening new fronts in the ongoing regional conflicts. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels working to prevent further escalation while military preparations appear to be intensifying on all sides.
The warning from the former IRGC commander represents the most direct threat from Iranian leadership since the recent escalation began, indicating that Tehran may be preparing to take a more active role in responding to what it perceives as Israeli provocations.
