The United States is currently delaying developments as it prepares for a possible resumption of military actions against Iran. This view was expressed by international affairs expert Grigor Balasanyan while discussing recent regional developments.
In his assessment, Pakistan has exhausted its role as a mediator. “The meeting in Islamabad ended without results. Iran will not return to Pakistani mediation. At most, Pakistan may continue to transmit information, but not act as a mediator,” he said.
Balasanyan is skeptical of claims that Pakistan’s mediation could lead to an extension of a ceasefire or, even more so, to peace. He stressed that the US president’s directive regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz does not indicate any intention to end the conflict quickly.
Moreover, in his view, US involvement in Lebanon–Israel talks already demonstrates that the issue is not about normalizing relations between the two states. “There is no direct problem between Lebanon and Israel as such. The real issue lies between Hezbollah and Israel, and it is clear that mediation is not applicable here,” he stated.
According to the expert, Lebanon, Israel, and the United States have come together to determine how to address the Hezbollah issue. He emphasized that Hezbollah is a key component of the “axis of resistance” and a close ally of Iran in the region.
“Resuming military actions against Hezbollah effectively means resuming military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. That is why I see these developments as a synchronization of clocks ahead of coordinated future actions,” Balasanyan noted.
He does not rule out the possibility that Israeli generals could appear within the Lebanese army to coordinate operations against Hezbollah, acting under Lebanese military structures and effectively “under another flag.”
Balasanyan also drew parallels with the situation in Artsakh. “Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has effectively revealed plans to fully ‘clear’ southern Lebanon and prevent the return of the Shiite population that supports Hezbollah. This strongly resembles Azerbaijan’s approach in Artsakh,” he said.