Defense News 

Israel & Iran

Iran has accused Israel of carrying out an airstrike near its embassy in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of seven members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including a top commander. The strike targeted a building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in the Mezzeh area of Damascus, according to footage.

Although Israel has not officially commented on the incident, unnamed Israeli officials cited by The New York Times have confirmed the country's involvement in the attack. Iranian media reports suggest that the targeted building was either the consulate or the ambassador's residence.

Among the deceased IRGC members was Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in the IRGC's Quds Force, designated as a terrorist organization by the US. Zahedi was responsible for overseeing IRGC operations in Syria and Lebanon, as well as maintaining ties with Hezbollah. This marks the most significant killing of an IRGC leader since the assassination of Qasem Soleimani in 2020.

Iran has vowed a harsh response to the airstrike, with its ambassador in Syria warning of consequences. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has held Israel responsible for the attack, condemning it as a breach of international conventions.

The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed groups. Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Syria over the past decade, aiming to prevent the transfer of arms to groups like Hezbollah. In response to ongoing attacks, Israel has intensified its strikes on Iran-linked targets in Syria, resulting in casualties among IRGC operatives and Hezbollah members.

The incident follows a drone attack by an Iran-backed militia in Iraq on an Israeli Navy base in Eilat, causing damage. Shortly after the Damascus strike, the Israeli military announced new operational plans for the Northern Command, amidst repeated attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel.

The IDF has targeted several Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon in response to continued rocket fire at army bases and Israeli communities along the border.

The situation remains tense as both sides brace for potential retaliation and further escalation in the region.