Khamenei wants revenge on Israel
Iran’s head of state fuels fears of new war
April 2, 2024, 1:25 p.m
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After an attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria left several members of the Revolutionary Guard dead, Tehran blames Israel and seeks revenge. Head of State Khamenei is now joining in the threatening gestures.
After the alleged Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy compound in Syria, Iran has threatened to retaliate. “The evil regime will be punished by our brave men. We will make them repent for this and similar crimes, God willing,” said Head of State Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a statement.
Religious leader Khamenei is the most powerful man in the Islamic Republic and has the final say on all strategic matters. He is also the commander in chief of the armed forces. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had previously strongly condemned the alleged Israeli airstrike and threatened a reaction. Experts have already expressed concern that some in Iran could see the attack as a declaration of war. However, how and whether Iran’s state power will react is completely open.
On Monday, two brigadier generals and five other members of the powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) were killed in an air strike on the Iranian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus. Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack and blamed its arch-enemy Israel for the attack.
Israel repeatedly attacks militias
The Revolutionary Guards are Iran’s elite armed forces and are considered significantly more powerful than the regular army. Founded after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the unit is intended to prevent a coup and protect the state ideology. The IRGC also operates abroad with the so-called Al-Kuds Brigades.
Israel is considered the archenemy of the Iranian government. Since the beginning of the Gaza war, the conflict has worsened. Israel’s air force repeatedly bombs targets in neighboring Syria in an attempt to prevent Iran and its allied militias, such as the Lebanese Hezbollah, from expanding their military influence in the country.
Attacks have increased since the Gaza war began almost six months ago. Iranian military personnel are officially only active in Syria in an advisory capacity. However, Tehran is considered the Syrian government’s most important ally alongside Russia. Civil war has been raging in the country since 2011.