Iran threatens Israel with retaliation after attack on embassy

After the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, concerns about escalation in the region are increasing. Iran announced a counterstrike towards Israel. How and when this might happen is unclear.

Tehran has announced retaliation following an attack on the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus that was attributed to Israel. “The evil regime will be punished by our brave men. We will make sure that they repent for this and similar crimes, God willing,” said Head of State Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a statement, referring to Israel.

Religious leader Khamenei is the most powerful man in the Islamic Republic and has the final say on all strategic matters. He is also the commander in chief of the armed forces.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi also threatened Israel with consequences. He described the attack as a “terrorist crime.” However, how and when Iran’s state power might react remains unclear. However, observers interpret the statements of the Iranian head of state Khamenei to mean that military action will be carried out by his own armed forces and not by one of the militias allied with Iran. For example, Tehran could attack Israeli targets in the region.

Two generals and five IRGC members killed

On Monday, seven members of the powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) were killed in an air strike on the Iranian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus. Among them were two senior representatives of the Al-Quds Brigades: Mohammed Reza Sahedi and Mohammed Hadi Haji Rahimi. Sahedi led the Quds Brigades – an elite IRGC unit responsible for foreign operations – in Lebanon and Syria. The IRGC is considered more powerful than the conventional armed forces.

According to Iranian state television, six Syrians were also killed. The Shiite Hezbollah militia also said one of its members had been killed and also vowed retaliation.

Middle East expert: “No doubt” about Israel’s guilt

When asked about the attack, an Israeli military spokesman said they do not comment on reports in foreign media. Middle East expert Guido Steinberg believes the country is responsible. There have been similar attacks on Iranian targets in Syria in recent months, including on a leading intelligence officer of the Revolutionary Guard in Damascus last January, he explained in an interview tagesschau.de. “In my view there is no doubt that the Israelis are responsible.”

Israel rarely confirms attacks on Iranian targets. An Israeli military spokesman had previously blamed Iran for a drone attack on Monday on a naval base in southern Israel.

Criticism from other states and the UN

Several Arab states and China condemned the attack. The Arab League, which includes 22 states, said Israel wanted to “expand the war and plunge the region into chaos.” A statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry said attacks on diplomatic facilities constituted a violation of international law and diplomatic immunity.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack. He called on “all those involved to exercise extreme restraint and to avoid further escalation,” said his spokesman. The UN Security Council in New York wants to deal with the issue today. At Russia’s request, the panel will meet at 9 p.m. (CEST) on “threats to international peace and security,” the UN said.

Worry about escalation

Israel’s air force repeatedly bombs targets in neighboring Syria in an attempt to prevent Iran and its allied militias such as the Lebanese Hezbollah from expanding their military influence in the country. Attacks have increased since the Gaza war began almost six months ago.

Observers see a new quality in the attack on the embassy grounds attributed to Israel. “What is new is that the Israelis are now specifically attacking leaders of the Al-Kuds Brigades in Syria – and then also in official Iranian facilities in the capital Damascus,” said expert Steinberg. “The danger of a major conflict, at least between Israel and Iran and therefore also between Israel and Hezbollah, has grown significantly.”