Iran Vows Response After Strike Blamed on Israel Destroys Consulate in Syria

Iran Vows Response After Strike Blamed on Israel Destroys Consulate in Syria

Iran has pledged to respond to an airstrike in Damascus, Syria, which destroyed Iran’s consulate and resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, including two Iranian generals and a member of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The strike, widely attributed to Israel, also claimed the lives of four Syrian citizens. Hezbollah, a key ally of both the Syrian government and Iran, has vowed to seek “punishment and revenge” against Israel.

During a contentious emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Iran’s deputy UN ambassador, Zahra Ershadi, stated that some Iranians were injured in the attack, but the exact death toll remains uncertain due to the destruction of the diplomatic premises. Israel, known for targeting Iranian officers in Syria and Lebanon, has not confirmed its involvement in the attack.

Iran, which provides support to Hezbollah, Hamas, and other Palestinian militant groups, has been engaged in increased clashes with Israel along the Israeli-Lebanese border since the start of the war in Gaza nearly six months ago. In response to the strike, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council held a meeting and decided on a “required” response, as reported by Iran’s state television. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasized that those responsible for the attack would regret their actions.

The United States, through its National Security Council, has denied any involvement in the strike and stated that it was unaware of the attack beforehand. The US deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Robert Wood, confirmed that the US had directly communicated this information to Iran. However, the US cannot confirm any details about the event.

As tensions escalate in the region, the international community will closely monitor the situation and its potential implications for the already fragile Middle East.