The Jerusalem Post reports: “The head of Iran’s Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, visited Beirut in February to hold discussions with Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, according to a Friday Reuters report.

Their meeting focused on the escalating tension as Israel’s military actions in Gaza, involving ally Hamas, may soon extend to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah.

This shift in focus poses a critical challenge to Tehran’s influence in the region, according to seven sources familiar with the situation.

During their encounter, which marks at least the third since the onset of Hamas’ October 7 attacks on southern Israel and the subsequent intense Israeli retaliation, the two leaders deliberated the potential repercussions of an Israeli offensive in Lebanon.

Such a move would not only threaten Hezbollah but might compel Iran to adopt a more assertive stance in the conflict, insiders suggest…”