Iran has three options; all may lead to a broader Middle East war

LONDON – As Israeli jets continue to target the Hezbollah militant group based in Lebanon, most Western governments are working hard to prevent the bloodshed from morphing into a broader and much deadlier Middle East war.

This cannot be achieved merely by

persuading Israel and Hezbollah to stop firing;

any effort to stabilise the region also requires the urgent backing of Iran, Hezbollah’s paymaster and ultimate patron.