Iran has called on the US to “step aside” as it gears up to formulate a response to a suspected Israeli assault on its consulate in Syria. Hezbollah, Iran's principal proxy in the Middle East, has issued a warning to the Jewish state, asserting its readiness for war.
In a written communication addressed to Washington, Mohammad Jamshidi, the Iranian president’s deputy chief of staff for political affairs, cautioned the US against falling into what he referred to as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trap. Jamshidi, writing on X, emphasized the importance for the US to “step aside so that you don't get hit.” In response, Jamshidi stated that the US implored Iran not to target American assets.
The Biden administration reportedly took the uncommon approach of directly communicating to Iran that the US was unaware of Monday's strike in Damascus, as reported by Bloomberg. This action implied that the US aimed to prevent potential attacks on its own forces and bases in the Middle East.
The Islamic Republic has vowed to deliver a “slap” to Israel, its archenemy. However, the timing of such an action remains uncertain, as does whether Iran would attempt a direct attack on Israel or utilize one of its proxy groups, such as Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon.
The recent airstrike targeted the Iranian consulate in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of at least seven Iranians, including two generals. While Israel has conducted multiple strikes on Iran-linked assets in Syria in recent months, this incident marks the first time an attack has struck an Iranian diplomatic facility.
Following the airstrike, Israel has heightened its state of alertness, canceling home leave for combat troops, mobilizing reserves, and reinforcing air defenses. In a precautionary measure, the military scrambled navigational signals over Tel Aviv on Thursday to disrupt GPS-guided drones or missiles that could potentially threaten the country.
Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, stated on Friday that Iran's response is undoubtedly imminent. However, he emphasized that his group would not “interfere in such decisions.”
Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, asserted that the organization is “completely prepared and ready” for any potential conflict with Israel.
