Iran has vowed to avenge the killing of senior commanders and officers of its elite Quds Force by Israel, raising fears of open war. U.S. officials are bracing for possible retaliation, placing military forces in the region on heightened alert. Iran has placed all armed forces on full high alert and is preparing to respond directly to the attack in Damascus, though the details of their retaliation are unclear. The commander in chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps warned that no act against Iran will go unanswered. The Israeli airstrike in Damascus killed three generals and four other officers of the Quds Force, an arm of the Revolutionary Guards that operates outside Iran.
Iran has a history of responding forcefully to attacks on its officers and commanders. Four years ago, Iran fired missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq after the killing of the chief of the Quds Force. While Iran’s proxy militias have attacked Israel in recent months, they have not escalated to full-fledged war. Hezbollah’s leader warned of an imminent response from Iran, urging preparedness for any eventuality. Israel has killed multiple Quds Force members in recent months, but the airstrike in Damascus was unprecedented in its impact.
The final decision on retaliating against Israel lies with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ordered a previous strike in response to the killing of General Suleimani. U.S. military analysts assess that Iran is more likely to strike Israel directly than through its proxies in the region. Israel and the United States are closely monitoring the situation, preparing for a potential Iranian attack. Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed that Israel would defend itself against any threats. U.S. Air Force commanders express concerns about regional escalation but believe Iran is not seeking broader conflict at the moment.
The funeral ceremony in Tehran coincided with the annual Quds Day rally, where attendees showed solidarity with Palestinians and expressed anti-Israel and anti-American sentiments. The crowd mourned the slain Quds Force officers, chanting slogans and waving flags. The atmosphere was somber and tense, overshadowed by the heightened tensions with Israel. Iranian officials and leaders of militant groups aligned with Iran marched in the funeral procession, emphasizing their unity and resolve. The coffins of the officers were honored and displayed publicly, reflecting the significance of the event in Iran.
The situation between Iran and Israel remains precarious, with both sides preparing for potential conflict. Iranian leaders have vowed to retaliate against Israel for the airstrike in Damascus, raising concerns of escalation. U.S. and Israeli officials are monitoring the situation closely, bracing for possible Iranian attacks. The funeral ceremony in Tehran highlighted the gravity of the situation, with leaders and supporters expressing solidarity with the slain officers. The region remains on edge as Iran contemplates its next move in response to Israel’s actions.
