Reports emerged on Monday of a suspected Israeli airstrike targeting Iran’s embassy in Syria, located in the Mezzeh district of Damascus. Among the casualties were three senior commanders, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a key figure in Iran’s elite Quds Force.
Syria’s Foreign Minister, Faisal Mekdad, swiftly condemned the bombing, labeling it as a “terrorist attack” that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Iran’s ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari, confirmed that the strike hit a consular building within the embassy compound, with his residence situated on the top floors.
While Israel declined to comment officially on the incident, four unnamed Israeli officials acknowledged the country’s involvement in the attack, as reported by The New York Times.
Iran’s UN mission strongly denounced the strike as a violation of international law and diplomatic norms, reserving the right to take decisive action in response. Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese group backed by Iran, vowed retaliation, signaling potential escalation in the region.
The attack claimed the lives of several individuals, including Haji Rahimi, described as a coordinator for the Quds Force, along with Hossein Aman Elahi, Mehdi Jalalati, Mohsen Sedaghat, Ali Aghababaee, and Ali Salehi Roozbahani.
Iran alleges that F-35 warplanes were used in the attack, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, countered by stating that the targeted building was a military structure of the Quds forces disguised as a civilian facility.
Amidst mounting tensions, both sides have issued threats of retaliation, raising concerns about further violence in the region. While Iran is expected to respond to the attack, Israel remains vigilant against potential threats, such as the recent drone attack on a naval base in southern Israel, believed to be orchestrated by Iran.
The incident underscores the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, with implications for regional stability and security. As diplomatic tensions escalate, the prospect of further clashes looms large, casting a shadow over efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.