Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has assumed direct operational control of Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to intelligence assessments reported Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in Tehran's preparation for potential conflict with Israel and the United States.
The shift from a proxy relationship to direct command and control represents a fundamental change in Iran's approach to its most powerful regional ally, according to the Times of Israel. IRGC commanders are now embedded within Hezbollah's military structure, coordinating weapons deployments, training exercises, and strategic planning.
The development comes amid heightened regional tensions following reports that Washington prefers Israel to strike Iran first in any future military confrontation. Israeli defense officials view the increased IRGC integration as preparation for coordinated retaliation scenarios should Israel attack Iranian nuclear facilities.
From proxy to direct control
Historically, Hezbollah maintained operational autonomy despite receiving extensive Iranian funding, weapons, and training. The Lebanese militia made its own tactical decisions, even when those occasionally diverged from Iranian strategic preferences. The current arrangement represents a loss of that autonomy, with IRGC officers now involved in day-to-day military operations.
In Israel, as across contested regions, security concerns and aspirations for normalcy exist in constant tension. Israeli military planners have long prepared for the possibility of multi-front warfare, including simultaneous conflicts with Hezbollah in the north, Hamas in Gaza, and Iranian-backed militias in Syria. The direct IRGC control of Hezbollah increases the likelihood that such scenarios would operate under unified Iranian command.
Intelligence assessments indicate that IRGC personnel are overseeing the transfer of advanced weapons systems to Hezbollah, including precision-guided missiles capable of striking specific targets throughout Israel. Previous Israeli operations have sought to prevent such transfers, conducting regular airstrikes against weapons convoys in Syria.
Strategic implications for regional security
The closer integration reflects Iran's assessment that regional conflict is increasingly likely and requires centralized coordination of its military assets. Beyond Hezbollah, Iran maintains influence over militias in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, collectively known as the "axis of resistance."
Israeli defense officials briefed on the intelligence say the IRGC's direct involvement suggests Iran is preparing Hezbollah for a potential war of attrition rather than the brief, intense conflicts that have characterized previous rounds of fighting. This would involve sustained rocket and missile campaigns designed to disrupt Israeli civilian life and economic activity over extended periods.
Hezbollah is estimated to possess between 120,000 and 200,000 rockets and missiles, a significant portion now believed to have precision guidance systems. Israeli defense technology, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow systems, has proven effective against smaller-scale attacks but would face unprecedented challenges in a sustained, high-volume conflict.
Lebanese sovereignty concerns
The increased Iranian control over Hezbollah operations further diminishes Lebanese government sovereignty. Lebanon's weak central government has been unable to exercise authority over Hezbollah's military wing, which operates as a state within a state with its own armed forces, intelligence services, and communications networks.
Lebanese political figures opposed to Hezbollah have expressed alarm at the development, warning that direct Iranian control could drag Lebanon into conflicts not in Lebanese national interests. The country continues to struggle with economic collapse, political paralysis, and infrastructure failures, making it particularly vulnerable to the consequences of military conflict.
International observers note that the IRGC's direct involvement in Hezbollah operations could have legal implications, potentially making Iran more directly accountable for Hezbollah actions under international law. However, enforcement of such accountability remains challenging given the complex regional dynamics and limited international consensus on addressing Iranian regional activities.
The Israeli military has indicated that any future conflict with Hezbollah would be treated as war with Iran, with potential targeting of Iranian assets throughout the region rather than limiting operations to Lebanese territory. This represents a significant expansion of potential conflict scope compared to previous Israeli-Hezbollah wars.
