Israel appears to be bracing itself for retaliation from Tehran after an airstrike in Damascus attributed to Israel killed several senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) figures, including Gen. Hassan Mahadawi.
According to the Israeli publication Haaretz, among the scenarios being warned of are direct drone and cruise missile strikes from Iran targeting Israeli infrastructure, intensified rocket barrages into Israel via proxies like Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Lebanon, or attempts to strike Israeli embassies and personnel abroad.
Iran has said the targeted site was part of its consulate in Damascus, framing it as an attack on Iranian sovereign territory to bolster its case for a forceful response internationally. However, Israel asserts it was not a diplomatic facility, with only IRGC, Hezbollah, and militia operatives present.
The Iranian government’s English-language Kayhan newspaper declared all Israeli offices globally are now legitimate targets after Mahadawi’s killing. Tehran has a history of such operations, including the 1990s attacks on the Israeli embassy and Jewish center in Buenos Aires linked to Iran and Hezbollah.
“After repeated defeats and failures against the faith and will of the resistance front fighters, the Zionist regime has put blind assassinations on its agenda in the struggle to save itself,” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on his office’s website.
Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese outlets argue Israel aimed to expand its conflict with the group and drag Iran into it through the Damascus strike. They warn retaliation will come at a time and place of Tehran’s choosing.
“We will make them regretful about the crime and similar acts,” vowed Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom has the final say on all state matters in Iran.
Questions remain over Iran’s capability to quickly prepare and execute a reprisal attack abroad. Such an overt operation could further complicate Tehran’s relations with the nation where it occurs. Yet the regime may not want to obscure responsibility for avenging such a high-level target.
Information for this story was found via Haaretz, The Guardian, the New York Times, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
