Attack in Syria

Generals dead after airstrike: Iran vows revenge

Angry Iranians burn US and Israeli flags after the airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria.(Bild: AFP)

Following the airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria that left seven dead, including two generals, new threats came from Tehran on Tuesday. Head of State Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced that Israel would retaliate for the attack in the Syrian capital Damascus, while President Ebrahim Raisi declared that the attack would not go unanswered. The pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia also vowed revenge.

"We will make sure that they repent for this and similar crimes, God willing," said Khamenei, who is the most powerful man in the Islamic Republic and has the final say in all strategic matters. He is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry and the ambassador to Syria had previously announced that reactions to the attack were to be expected. Iran attributes the airstrike to Israel.

In addition to the two brigadier generals, the casualties include five members of the powerful Revolutionary Guards. An Israeli military spokesman declined to comment. Israel has repeatedly targeted Iranian military facilities in Syria. There had previously been no attack on the sprawling embassy complex in Damascus.

"Important message" to the USA
According to Foreign Minister Hussein Amirabdollahian, Iran sent an "important message" to the USA after the airstrike, emphasizing the USA's "shared responsibility" as a supporter of Israel. The minister did not provide any specific details on the content.

"Punishment and revenge for the enemy"
For its part, the pro-Iranian Lebanese militia Hezbollah, which is fighting against Israel, emphasized that the attack would not be without consequences. The organization declared on Tuesday night: "Surely this crime will not pass without the enemy being punished and avenged." The "enemy" still believes that the elimination of leaders can "stop the determined resistance of the people", it added.

(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

(Bild: APA/AFP/MAHER AL MOUNES)

Iran is Hezbollah's biggest supporter in Lebanon. The Shia militia fights against Israel politically, but also with violence. It is part of Iran's "axis of resistance". With its own militia, it mainly controls the south of Lebanon on the border with Israel, Shiite-inhabited districts of the capital Beirut and the Bekaa Valley in the north of the country. Hezbollah is also active in Syria.

Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN described the attack as a violation of the UN Charter, international law and the fundamental principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular facilities. Iran is also calling on the UN Security Council to condemn the attack.