Iran has vowed retaliation after accusing Israel of carrying out a deadly airstrike on its embassy complex in Damascus, Syria on Monday, in a major escalation of regional tensions stemming from the ongoing war in Gaza.
The strike destroyed Iran’s consulate building in the Syrian capital, killing at least 13 people including two high-ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guards commanders – Mohammed Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi. Iran’s Foreign Ministry blamed Israel for the attack on what it claims was a diplomatic mission.
Iran warned of a “serious response” as the powerful Hezbollah militant group threatened “punishment and revenge.” Tehran also said it would hold the U.S. accountable due to its support for Israel. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed Israel would face punishment.
While not officially confirming the strike, Israel claimed the targeted site was a military facility for the Quds Force, the IRGC’s foreign operations unit, “disguised as a civilian building.” The Pentagon assessed Israel was behind the attack on Iranian officials.
The White House said the U.S. was not involved and had no prior knowledge, directly relaying this to Tehran.
The strike marks a significant escalation by Israel against Iran’s regional influence following Hamas’ October 7 attack that sparked the bloody war in Gaza. Analysts warn it could provoke retaliatory attacks by Iranian proxies against U.S. troops in the region.
Iran summoned the Swiss envoy representing U.S. interests to condemn the “terrorist attack” as a violation of international laws on diplomatic missions. Syria also denounced the strike as a “gross violation.”
The U.N. chief called for restraint to avoid miscalculation that could lead to a broader conflict with “devastating consequences.”
