Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel for the killing of several senior commanders and officers of its elite Quds Force. The public funeral for the officers raised fears of open war, with both the US and Israel bracing for possible Iranian retaliation for the Israeli airstrike in Damascus, Syria. Iran has placed all its armed forces on high alert and is reportedly planning a direct response to the attack. General Hossein Salami warned that no act against Iran will go unanswered, and that the nation’s response will break the power of empires. Although Iran has avoided direct conflict in the past, there are concerns that a response could lead to full-fledged war.
The Israeli airstrike in Damascus killed three generals and four other officers of the Quds Force, known for conducting military and intelligence operations outside of Iran. Iran’s ambassador to the UN has stated that interviews with US media will take place after Iran’s response to Israel. While Iran has refrained from direct conflict with Israel, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that a response could come at any time. Iran has lost several Quds Force members in recent months, but the Damascus attack was seen as particularly significant due to the targeting of diplomatic buildings.
The decision on how to respond to the attack rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ordered a previous attack in retaliation for the killing of General Qassim Suleimani. US analysts believe that Iran is more likely to strike Israel directly rather than target US troops in the region. Israeli officials share this assessment, believing that Iran would choose to take action itself rather than through its proxy Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will defend itself against any threats, following the principle of reciprocal harm.
The funeral ceremony in Tehran coincided with the annual Quds Day rally, which celebrates Palestinian solidarity and is typically held in many Muslim countries on the last Friday of Ramadan. The crowd chanted anti-Israel and anti-American slogans, reflecting the heightened tensions in the region. The event was attended by Iran’s president and various militant leaders aligned with Iran, adding to the somber atmosphere overshadowed by the threat of war with Israel. The coffins of the slain officers were paraded through Tehran as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects.
The US military has placed forces in the region on heightened alert, while Israel has canceled leave for combat units and recalled reservists to air defense units. Both countries are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns over potential regional escalation. While Iranian officials have stated that they are not seeking a broader conflict, tensions remain high following the deadly airstrike in Damascus. The international community is watching the situation closely, hoping to prevent further escalation that could lead to a full-fledged war.
