Reports indicate that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has strengthened its grip on Hezbollah in the Middle East as potential U.S. military action looms.
The strategic change occurs as Hezbollah and Iran brace for potential regional military conflict, with analysts cautioning that Hezbollah could be “activated” if Washington directly targets the Iranian regime.
“If Iran feels threatened, the probability of deploying Hezbollah against Israeli and American regional interests rises significantly,” said a Middle East Institute senior fellow to Digital.
“Hezbollah wouldn’t be mobilized immediately unless the strike directly hits Iran’s leadership. However, as part of a measured response, Hezbollah would probably be utilized as a strategic asset,” he stated.
“Should Iran confront an existential threat, it might abandon restraint and fully deploy Hezbollah’s capabilities,” Harrison elaborated.
The President had earlier set a 10-to-15-day deadline for Iran to accept a proposed agreement, prompting speculation about potential U.S. actions if Tehran refuses to comply.
Fresh negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva are anticipated to center on Iran’s nuclear activities, particularly uranium enrichment and potential sanctions easing.
“The decision-making group on Iran policy is extremely limited, with the president maintaining tight control over the process,” Harrison noted.
He further indicated that any choice to directly confront the Iranian regime would probably be made within Trump’s closest advisory circle.
“Typically, there would be contributions from the intelligence community and broader national security apparatus,” Harrison commented. “Given the opaque nature of White House decision-making, it’s difficult to gauge how much influence these inputs actually have.”
“If American officials are consulting with regional partners, they’re receiving cautions about the conflict potentially expanding across the region, which would prove harmful to U.S. and allied interests,” he added.
Harrison also cautioned about the “risk of attacks proliferating throughout the region—against Israel through direct Iranian missile strikes and Hezbollah, and against Gulf Arab nations through direct Iranian action and potentially via Yemeni Houthi forces.”
Regional media outlets further indicate that Iran’s relationship with Hezbollah is growing stronger. Sources informed Al Arabiya and Al Hadath that IRGC personnel have been reconstructing Hezbollah’s military framework and overseeing strategic military planning.
This coordination comes in the wake of leadership transitions within Hezbollah, Harrison explained.
“Following Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last year, the relationship and operational coordination have been partially restored,” he said.
“The IRGC has backed Hezbollah in Lebanon for many years,” he stated, noting that efforts to rebuild connections seem to be happening “especially considering developments last June.”
“Iran is attempting to revive diminished capabilities, including its missile program and its relationship with Hezbollah,” Harrison said.
“For decades, Iran has viewed Hezbollah as a deterrent against Israeli or American aggression. However, since Hezbollah maintains its own interests—aligned with but distinct from Iran’s—whether its leadership would fully commit to Tehran’s cause remains uncertain,” he concluded.
These developments concerning Hezbollah and the IRGC coincide with reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah has designated his close associate Ali Larijani as the nation’s de facto leader.
Digital has contacted the White House seeking comment.