Analysis: Criticism of inaction pushed Iran to retaliate; Hezbollah holding on

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- The assassination of Hezbollah's long-time leader Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah has been the peak of an Israeli brutal clampdown against the group that took down most of its command leaders and shaken its structural and popular base, raising a rare wave of criticism against Tehran for its inaction, analysts said.

After months of restraint and mounting threats, Iran finally decided to attack Israel to avenge the killing of Nasrallah, as well as that of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was targeted on July 31 while on a visit to Tehran.

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