Iran vows revenge after Israel’s consulate strike

What occurred

An Israeli airstrike Monday on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, Syria, killed seven officers of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, together with Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, head of operations in Syria and Lebanon, and his deputy, stated Iranian state media. Israel, as customary, had no touch upon the assault.

Who stated what

Syrian International Minister Faisal Mekdad condemned Monday’s “heinous terrorist assault,” and Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari threatened a “harsh” response. Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy drive in Lebanon, stated Israel’s “crime” might be met with “punishment and revenge.” The U.S. “had no involvement” or advance data of the strike, a Nationwide Safety Council spokesperson stated to Axios.

Israel has struck Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Syria for years, however “Monday’s assault stood out each due to its location — in a diplomatic compound, historically exempted from hostilities — and due to the seniority of the obvious goal,” The Washington Submit stated. Whereas the violence between Israel and Iran is “not but an all-out regional battle,” Israel seems to be working to “increase” the battlefield, Worldwide Disaster Group’s Ali Vaez stated. 

What subsequent?

Monday’s “reprehensible” assault may inflame the area and “doubtlessly ignite extra battle involving different nations,” stated Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Zahra Ershadi. Iran will strike again, however will it “goal Israel, Israelis, U.S. regional belongings … or one thing else?” stated Charles Lister at Washington’s Center East Institute.