Supplemental Info:
Background:
U.S. embassies and other interests across the Middle East region are on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack within the next week by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region. Multiple arms of Iran’s government have served notice that they would hold the U.S. responsible for Israel’s actions. The U.S. has denied involvement. Israel has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Senior U.S. and Israeli officials currently believe that an attack is inevitable and that both U.S. and Israeli assets and personnel are at risk.
Earlier this week, Iran's deputy UN Ambassador Zahra Ershadi told the Security Council that it reserves the right "to take a decisive response" to the attack.
"The United States is responsible for all crimes committed by the Israeli regime," she stated, accusing the U.S. of trying to destabilize Syria and the region, and calling it out for supporting Israel in its war with Hamas.
Ershadi went on to warn that the consulate strike could “spark further conflict involving other countries.”
The office of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian released the following statement:
Iran’s Foreign Minister says a Swiss embassy official was summoned to the Iranian foreign ministry at 00:45 am Tuesday to receive Iran’s “important message to the US” as the “supporter of Israel” following the airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus that killed seven IRGC officers including two top generals.
“The US must be accountable,” Amir-Abdollahian said, adding that an Iranian Foreign Ministry official has stressed to the Swiss diplomat whose country protects the US interests in Iran that Washington is “responsible” for Israel’s “crimes”.
The State Department has confirmed receiving the message.
The Damascus attack involved use of multiple precision strike weapons, flattening the multi-story structure positioned between other diplomatic facilities.
At least seven key Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers were killed in the strike, including Brig-Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the elite IRGC Quds Force, and Brig-Gen Mohammad Hadi Haji-Rahimi, his deputy.
Embassy / State Dept cautionary messages expected.
Significant potential for regional expansion of the Israel/Hamas conflict.
Increased situational awareness and low profile urged.
If in or traveling to the Middle East, get registered with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
