In a recent airstrike in the Syrian capital of Damascus, an Iranian consulate was targeted, killing seven Revolutionary Guards, including one of the country’s top generals. The attack has sparked vows of retaliation from Iran, with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that the “evil Zionist regime will be punished at the hands of our brave men.”
The Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, also condemned the attack and claimed that it was a clear violation of international regulations that will not go unanswered. He also accused Israel of being behind the attack, stating that they have put “blind assassinations” on their agenda as a means to save themselves.
Israel, however, has declined to comment on the strike, adding to the already tense situation between the two countries. This attack is just the latest in a string of incidents that have heightened fears of widespread violence throughout the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran’s ally, Hamas.
The Iranian ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari, claimed that the attack was carried out by F-35 fighter jets that fired six missiles at the consulate building. The adjacent building was reduced to rubble, with only the gate of the building still standing. The facade of the Iranian embassy, which is decorated with a large portrait of General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike in 2020, was also damaged.
Iran’s foreign minister, Amir-Abdollahian, extended their protest to the United States, accusing them of being involved in the attack. He stated that the US, as the main backer of Israel, also bears responsibility for the strike. The Iranian mission to the United Nations has warned that this strike could potentially ignite more conflicts involving other nations and has called on the Security Council to condemn this “unjustified criminal act.”
Meanwhile, the Hezbollah, another ally of Iran, has also promised to seek revenge for this “crime.” A Hezbollah member was also killed in the strike, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The group said that General Zahedi played a crucial role in helping them develop and advance their work in Lebanon.
The UN Security Council is set to discuss this strike in a meeting today at the request of Syria’s ally, Russia. The US has denied any involvement in the attack, with an unidentified official stating that they had no prior knowledge of it. China, one of Iran’s main supporters, has also condemned the attack and called for the respect of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Other allies of Iran, including Iraq and Palestine, have also condemned the strike as a violation of international law and an act of aggression. However, Israel has stated that they will continue to defend themselves against attacks from Hamas and other Iranian-backed groups in the region. They believe that the recent escalation in conflicts is a part of Iran’s larger strategy to weaken their efforts ahead of a potential region-wide war.
Analysts also believe that Israel’s recent actions may be a result of pressure from the US, as they are running out of time to conduct a war with Hamas in Gaza. This could also explain why they are turning to Lebanon and Syria to weaken the Iranian regional military effort.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange attacks, with fears that it could lead to a full-fledged war involving other nations. The international community is urging both sides to find a peaceful resolution and avoid further escalation.
