Iran threatens retaliation against US, Israel after strikes on Dahieh

Iran issued stern warnings of retaliation against the United States and Israel on Sunday, responding to fresh strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs. These threats further dim prospects for lasting peace, as the Middle East war marks its 100th day. Ceasefire negotiations have repeatedly faltered, while the conflict continues to destabilize global markets and increase domestic pressure on U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of midterm elections. Tehran has consistently argued that any permanent end to the war must also address the parallel conflict in Lebanon, where Israel is engaged in a campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah. Iran had previously cautioned that new attacks on Beirut would lead to a "full-scale resumption" of hostilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the army had struck a "militant command center" in Beirut's Dahiyeh district in response to Hezbollah's fire towards Israeli territory. While exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah near the border are common, the southern districts of Beirut, considered strongholds of the militant group, have seen limited strikes since mid-April. Israel had previously warned it would target the area if Hezbollah attacked northern Israel. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator with Washington, accused the U.S. of providing a "green light" for the Beirut attack. He stated that this action, combined with the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, renders American and Israeli bases and assets in the region legitimate targets, asserting that Iran's armed forces are free to act. The spokesman for the Iranian parliament's national security commission, Ebrahim Rezaei, also promised a "decisive and painful response," urging that "these rabid dogs must be disciplined." The escalating threats occurred as Iranians grapple with the strain of prolonged uncertainty. Fitness trainer Elaheh from Ahvaz described feeling "numb," stating, "Daily life? It's a joke. Everything is horrible. We only try to survive." Chef Farhad noted that life is becoming "increasingly difficult," with economic hardship predating the war, turning past desires into "dreams and fairy tales."

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I really have gone numb. Daily life? It's a joke. Everything is horrible. We only try to survive.