Israel and the U.S. are on high alert as they believe Iran is gearing up for a retaliatory strike following the Israeli attack on an Iranian consulate in Syria. The Pentagon confirmed that Israel targeted the consulate in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of several senior leaders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to U.S. officials, intelligence suggests that Iran is planning a retaliatory attack using Shahed loitering drones and cruise missiles. The timing and target of the attack remain unknown, but it is speculated that an Israeli diplomatic facility could be hit before the end of Ramadan next week.
The location from where the drones and missiles would be launched is also a mystery, with possibilities ranging from Iraq or Syria to Iranian territory. The funeral for the seven IRGC members killed in the Damascus attack was held in Tehran, where Gen. Hossein Salami warned Israel of facing consequences for their actions.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Biden administration has assured Israel of U.S. support in their self-defense against Iranian threats. The U.S. has also received a written message from Iran, warning against targeting American facilities in the region.
With both sides issuing warnings and threats, the situation is becoming increasingly volatile, raising concerns of a potential regional conflict. The U.S. has troops stationed in Syria and Iraq, and the upcoming visit of the Iraqi prime minister to the White House is expected to address the issue of U.S. military presence in the region. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely for any further developments in this escalating conflict.