TEHRAN, Iran. Iran and its key proxies have issued vows of retaliation after a strike, widely believed to be orchestrated by Israel, flattened Iran’s consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus, claiming eight lives, including two Iranian generals.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council convened late Monday, announcing plans for a response to the strike, as reported by state TV. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted, “We will make them regretful about the crime and similar acts.”
The attack marked a significant escalation, as it targeted an Iranian diplomatic mission, indicating an intensification of hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed groups. The U.S. National Security Council denied any involvement in the strike and affirmed that it had not been informed beforehand.
Speculation looms over Iran’s potential response, whether direct or through its proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis. The strike in Syria claimed the lives of several high-ranking Iranian military officials, including General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who played a pivotal role in supporting Hezbollah’s operations in Lebanon.
Hezbollah, in a statement, vowed retribution for the attack, asserting that “this crime will certainly not pass without the enemy receiving punishment and revenge.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged the ongoing confrontations, describing Israel’s stance in the region as engaged “both offensively and defensively.” Gallant emphasized Israel’s proactive measures to deter threats from its adversaries.
The attack on the Iranian consulate has sparked condemnation from Gulf monarchies and the Arab League, heightening concerns of a broader regional conflict. Iran has blamed the United States, Israel’s closest ally, for the strike and called for a meeting of the U.N. Security Council to address the issue.
Meanwhile, reports emerged of a separate incident involving a U.S. drone destroyed by American forces in Syria, underscoring the volatility of the region amid escalating tensions between various actors.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
