Iran strongly condemned Israel on Monday for killing Hezbollah military chief Haytham Ali Tabatabai in Beirut. The Iranian foreign ministry called the attack a “cowardly assassination” and a breach of Lebanon’s sovereignty. Hezbollah earlier confirmed Tabatabai’s death, calling him “the great commander.”
Tabatabai was the most senior Hezbollah leader killed since the November 2024 ceasefire ended more than a year of hostilities. The Iranian ministry said the killing violated the ceasefire and marked a serious escalation in the region. Israel has continued airstrikes against Hezbollah targets despite the truce.
Read more: Israel kills Hezbollah commander in Beirut airstrike
Tabatabai, largely unknown to the Lebanese public, was among the new commanders chosen after the last war. He helped lead Hezbollah’s military operations at a time when the group faced major setbacks. These setbacks included losses from Israeli attacks and the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, warned it would retaliate if attacked. The country itself suffered Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities during a 12-day war earlier this year. The killing is seen as a blow to Tehran’s regional influence and strategy.
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The incident increases tensions in Lebanon and the wider Middle East. Observers fear renewed hostilities could destabilize the fragile ceasefire. Both Hezbollah and Israel remain on alert as the situation develops.