In a recent development in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, an Israeli airstrike destroyed Iran's consular building in Syria, resulting in the death of a senior Iranian military leader and several others, according to Syrian officials and state media. The attack is seen as a significant escalation of Israel's targeting of Iranian military officials and their allies in Syria, following recent attacks by Hamas militants supported by Iran.
The strike on Iran's embassy compound also comes amid increased clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, another militant group backed by Iran, along Israel's northern border with Lebanon. Israel, which typically does not comment on such strikes, has remained silent on the latest attack in Syria.
The attack reportedly killed Iranian military adviser Gen. Ali Reza Zahdi, who led the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016. While Iran's consular building was destroyed in the strike, its main embassy building remained intact.
Iran's ambassador condemned Israel for the attack, vowing revenge "at the same magnitude and harshness." The Iranian Foreign Ministry called on other countries to condemn the strike, while the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad accused Israel of attempting to widen the conflict in Gaza.
The chief spokesman for Israel's army attributed a drone attack on a naval base in southern Israel to Iran, although there were no injuries or significant damage reported. Israel has carried out numerous airstrikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years, targeting Iran-allied militant groups such as Hezbollah.
The latest attack in Syria is expected to provoke retaliation and further escalate tensions in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will likely monitor the developments closely.