The World Briefly
April 04, 2024The Eye of the Storm
Iran
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Iran vowed retaliation against Israel following a deadly strike in the Syrian capital this week that killed 12 individuals, including two high-ranking Iranian generals, an attack that has intensified tensions in the region, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
On Monday, an alleged Israeli airstrike hit Iran’s consulate in Damascus, killing Iranian Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi – who led the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016 – and his deputy, Gen. Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi.
The death toll also included a member of Iran-backed Hezbollah and four Syrian nationals.
Damascus officials did not disclose any information on the Syrian nationals, but the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights alleged that the individuals were members of a pro-Iran militia.
Following the strike, Iranian senior officials decided on a “required” response to the strike but did not elaborate. Meanwhile, Iranian diplomats at the United Nations accused Israel of jeopardizing regional stability and peace, adding that “the United States is responsible for all crimes committed by the Israeli regime.”
Hezbollah, a key ally of both Iran and the Syrian government, also pledged “punishment and revenge” against Israel.
Israel – which has previously targeted Iranian officers in the region in surgical strikes – did not confirm Monday’s attack.
Despite Iran’s accusations, the US denied any involvement in the strike, emphasizing its commitment to de-escalation efforts in the region.
It is unclear if, when, or how Iran will retaliate, but the Damascus strike has raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict, with fears of a dangerous escalation between Iran, Israel, and potentially the US.
Tensions have escalated in the Middle East amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Iran-backed Hamas that began in October. Since then, Iran’s proxies have stepped up their assaults, engaging in almost daily cross-border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israel, alongside frequent attacks on Red Sea vessels by Yemen’s Houthi rebels – who are also backed by Iran.
The UN condemned Monday’s attack, stressing the importance of upholding diplomatic immunity and respecting international law.
Meanwhile, Gulf states and the Arab League also joined in denouncing Israel’s actions, expressing deep apprehension about the possibility of further destabilization in the already volatile Middle East.
Amid ongoing skirmishes and international criticism, Israel has warned about the possibility of full-fledged war with Iran, citing continuous attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi missiles from Yemen.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant claimed the country is fighting a war on multiple fronts “both offensively and defensively.”
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