Iran has officially accused Israel of a deadly airstrike on its embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions amid the war in Gaza. The attack, which occurred on Monday, led to the destruction of the consulate building and the deaths of at least seven officials, including notable figures Mohammed Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, both senior commanders in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), as well as at least six Syrian nationals.
In response to the airstrike, Iranian authorities have pledged a “serious response,” with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi stating that the act will not go unanswered. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group, also indicated that the strike would be met with “punishment and revenge.” Further, Iran has signaled its intention to hold the United States accountable due to its support for Israel.
The United States, through Pentagon’s Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, acknowledged Israel’s role in the airstrike without providing further verification of the claims made by Iran, Syria, and Israel.
This incident has drawn international attention, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging Iran and Israel to avoid further escalation and warning of the potential for a broader conflict in the volatile region.
Social media accounts associated with the IRGC have hinted at preparations for a possible retaliatory attack against Israel, reporting heightened activity at Iranian long range missile sites with a message claiming “The Zero Hour for an Attack on Israel is near.”
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