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

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Bystanders and reporters check the destruction in a street after an Israeli strike in the Ghobeiri area of Beirut's southern suburbs.

Bystanders and reporters check the destruction in a street after an Israeli strike in the Ghobeiri area of Beirut's southern suburbs.

PHOTO: AFP

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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.

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