Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel for bombing its consulate in Damascus, which killed seven top officers of the Revolutionary Guards, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the commander of the Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon.
This raises fears of more violence after this unprecedented attack.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei mourned Zahedi and his deputy, Mohammad Hadi Haj Rahim, and promised that Israel would regret its actions.
Iranian media shared a photo of the consulate’s entrance, confirming the attack.
The death toll has reached 13, including seven Revolutionary Guards members.
Iran’s ambassador to Syria, who had been working at the nearby embassy, said the consulate in the Syrian capital had been hit by six missiles launched by F-35 jets.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi condemned the attack, promising a response. A statement from the Supreme National Security Council assured that necessary decisions have been made.
Moreover, Iran’s UN mission called on the Security Council to strongly condemn the attack, describing it as a serious threat to regional peace.
Iran also stated its right to respond decisively. The strike was criticized as a clear violation of international law and the principle of diplomatic premises’ inviolability.
The conflict in the Middle East has been escalating since the Gaza war began in October. Israel has been carrying out airstrikes for years, targeting Iranian interests or groups supported by Iran. However, Monday's attack in Damascus was one of the boldest yet.
While Tehran avoids direct conflict with Israel, it has backed attacks on Israeli, US, and Red Sea commercial targets.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, which destroyed a consulate building near the main Iranian embassy.
According to a senior Israeli official, the targets were involved in previous attacks on Israeli and US assets and were planning more.
Four unnamed Israeli officials admitted Israel's involvement in the attack, as reported by The New York Times.
According to Axios, which cited a US official, Washington informed Iran that it “had no involvement” or advance knowledge of an Israeli strike on the diplomatic compound in Syria.
Threats to retaliate against Israel have raised questions within Iran about what form the response might take.
Vahid Jalalzadeh, head of Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, mentioned that Iran will respond “at the right time and place” but didn't specify further.
Observers, however, downplay the likelihood of a direct clash between Iran and Israel.
