Iran plans retaliation after Israeli raid on consulate in Syria

Israel and the United States believe that Iran is preparing to retaliate for an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, according to American officials speaking to CBS News.

According to the Pentagon, Israel last Monday attacked the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking leaders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The United States has gathered intelligence suggesting Iran is planning a retaliatory attack. Officials indicate that the specifics of the timing and target remain undisclosed, but their assessment suggests a proportional response to the Damascus incident would likely target an Israeli diplomatic facility. This counteraction is expected to occur by the end of Ramadan next week.

Another significant uncertainty is the launch point of the drones and rockets – whether they will be deployed from Iraq or Syria, which would allow Tehran plausible deniability or directly from Iran itself.

Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, announced on Tuesday a "punishment" for Israel for its assault on Tehran's consulate in Damascus. "This heinous act will be met with retribution from our brave people. We will ensure they regret this and similar crimes by the grace of God," he stated in a pronouncement.

Hezbollah has also vowed vengeance. Hasan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah, said, "The Iranian response will transcend any specific timeframe; the Iranians are reflecting and strategizing but will retaliate with determination", he declared.

Source: CBS News