Iran's New Strategy: Direct Retaliation Against Israel After Damascus Consulate Attack
Iran launched a large-scale attack against Israel on Saturday, sending hundreds of drones and missiles in response to the April 1 strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus.
This marks a new, more direct strategy from Iran, signaling that any future attacks on Iran will result in a "direct and punishing response." This shift represents a departure from the past few years during which Iran and Israel have engaged in proxy fights and covert operations in the Middle East and beyond.
Israel's military intercepted 99% of aerial threats during an overnight attack, causing minor damage, according to the military.
The attack was claimed by Iran, who described it as a "successful" operation and a response to targeting Iranian personnel and assets.
Iranian officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi, hailed the operation as marking a new page and a lesson to Israel.
Iran threatened further retaliation for any future attacks on Iranian interests.
Iran attacked a Syrian military base near Damascus in response to an attack on its embassy annexe that killed seven IRGC members, including two generals.
The Western governments criticized Iran's actions as destabilizing the region.
Iran described its response as limited and urged Western nations to understand its restraint towards Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict.