Israel shocked the world on Saturday by claiming it had killed Hassan Nasrallah. Fear of Israel spread across Beirut in the wake of Nasrallah's death. Previously, Israel had killed Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Iran was still reeling from the shock when Hezbollah's chief was assassinated.
Iran is enraged following Nasrallah's death. Right after the Israeli attack, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei convened a meeting of the country's Supreme National Security Council at his home.
What options do Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel have?
The significance of Israel's operation against the Hezbollah chief can be gauged from the fact that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the attack on Hezbollah's headquarters from his hotel room right after delivering a speech at the UN on Friday.
According to the Times of Israel, the IDF stated that on September 27, they conducted an airstrike using bunker buster bombs on Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon's capital, where Nasrallah was also present. Nasrallah's death is expected to increase tension and conflict in the region. What comes next is uncertain, largely dependent on three fundamental questions.
Also Read: 'Nasrallah's death brings justice to many victims,' says Biden on Hezbollah chief's death
What will Hezbollah do?
Hezbollah is reeling from blow after blow. Israel has obliterated its command structure, with over a dozen top commanders killed. The surprising explosions of its pagers and walkie-talkies have shattered its communication systems. Subsequent airstrikes have destroyed many of Hezbollah's weapons.
However, it would be naive to assume that this staunchly anti-Israel organization would suddenly surrender and work towards peace on Israel's terms. Hezbollah has already vowed to continue fighting. It still has thousands of fighters, many experienced in combat from Syria, eager for revenge.
Hezbollah still possesses a large stockpile of missiles, many of which are long-range with precision strike capabilities, capable of reaching Tel Aviv and other cities. There is also pressure on Hezbollah to use these weapons soon, fearing their destruction in Israeli attacks.
If Hezbollah launches a major attack, it is highly likely Israel will respond with fierce airstrikes. These attacks could result in civilian casualties and wreak havoc on Lebanon's infrastructure, potentially extending their effects to Iran.
What will Iran do?
Iran has yet to respond to the killing of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran's guesthouse in July. Iran was still mourning Haniyeh's death when it received this new wound with Nasrallah's death. The world now waits to see Iran's next move.
Also Read: With Nasrallah gone, will Iran seek revenge against Israel or rely on the Triple 'H' strategy?
Iran has an entire force of heavily armed fighters in the Middle East, known as the
