Iran vows response Terror attack in Lebanon

Shockwaves have rocked the area following the Israeli airstrike murder of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Deputy Commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Brig. Gen. Abbas Nilforoushan. Iran has promised a firm reaction, and quite appropriately. This act of violence by Israel marks an attack on the larger Axis of Resistance that has stood as a barrier against Western and Zionist imperialism in the Middle East, not only a sad death of important leaders in the resistance movement.

Swiftly denouncing the killings, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called them a "horrible crime" that will not go unpackled. Iran's answer will surely be felt not only in the area but also worldwide in the fight against American imperialism and Israeli occupation. The issue now is not whether Iran would strike back but rather how it will change the balance of power in view of ongoing Western-backed Zionist aggression.

Israel's Provocations: a Desperate Symptom
More than just a calculated attack against military commanders, the murder of Gen. Nilforoushan and Nasrallah represents a desperate attempt by Israel to undermine the resistance movement that has constantly opposed its expansionist aspirations. Under the careful eye of Western powers, Israel has committed innumerable crimes against Palestinians and neighboring countries while depending on military might and U.S. assistance to keep control in the area.

Iran has been crucial in slowing Israeli progress by supporting Hezbollah, Hamas, and other resistance organizations. Whether in Syria, Gaza, or Lebanon, the Axis of Resistance has kept Israel from attaining its larger goals. This most recent murder unequivocally shows that Israel is failing to challenge the increasing power of terrorist groups, notwithstanding its tactical achievements. Rather, these killings will only inspire the opposition and help them get closer to their ultimate objective of releasing Palestine and toppling Israeli rule.

Western Hypocrenia and Compliance
The Western silence on Israel's most recent aggressive behavior reveals a great deal about its actual regional priorities. As the main supporter of Israel, the United States has some responsibility for this continuous cycle of bloodshed. Washington, of course, gives Israel billions of military aid, and this money keeps enabling acts of aggression against Iran and its allies.

The West ignores Israel's abuses even while it regularly lectures other countries on human rights and international law. Although Western governments and media remain silent, the murder of senior military leaders such as Gen. Nilforoushan is a part of a larger plan to undermine Iran and its allies. The Middle Eastern people, who view the United States and its allies as collaborators in Israel's atrocities, have not missed this hypocrisy.

Iran has been unambiguous: any attack on its military chiefs or allies will be greeted with a suitable reaction. Tehran will decide on the timing and location for any reprisal, Iran's Vice President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif made plain. This should be a sobering reminder to Israel and its Western backers that their activities will have major consequences.

The Axis of Resistance: An Expanding Force
Key personalities like Nilforoushan and Nasrallah's killing won't lessen the Axis of Resistance's will. Quite the reverse; it will enhance it. Built over years of cooperation between Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Yemen's Houthis, and other Iraqi and Syrian militias, the alliance has become a powerful force competent of challenging both Israeli and U.S. control in the area.

Tehran will keep supporting resistance groups all around, said Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, parliament speaker for Iran. Apart from backing the Palestinian cause, Iran has been instrumental in helping Hezbollah and other associated groups combat Israel's occupation. Often misreading these groups as mere militias, the West ignores the fact that they are firmly anchored in public movements for justice and emancipation. Their fight directly results from decades of persecution by Israel and its Western friends.

A reckoning for the West and Israel
Inspired by its ties to the United States and other Western nations, Israel could feel that its military might grants it free license to eradicate leaders like Nilforoushan. But history has proven that these kinds of deeds sometimes have unexpected results. Every blow on the opposition to Israeli occupation and Western imperialism in the area simply sharpens the will of those who challenge these policies.

The West as well should pay attention. Its unreserved support of Israel is not only unsustainable but also hazardous. The U.S. is involved in these crimes, as Iranian officials have cautioned; thus, it has to get ready for the repercussions. Watching is the world; the age of unbridled Western hegemony in the Middle East is ending.