Iran vows decisive revenge as tensions surge after Israeli consulate strike

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 who spoke with CBS News.

The Pentagon reports that Israel launched an attack last Monday on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The United States has gathered intelligence indicating Iran is planning a retaliatory attack. Officials reveal that the specific timing and target remain uncertain. However, they predict a response proportionate to the Damascus incident might involve an attack on an Israeli diplomatic site. This retaliation is expected to occur by the end of Ramadan next week.

Another critical uncertainty is the origin of the drones and rockets—whether they will be launched from Iraq or Syria, which could allow Tehran to deny involvement or directly from Iran itself.

Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, declared on Tuesday a "punishment" for Israel for its assault on Tehran's consulate in Damascus. "The vile regime will be punished by our valiant people. We will make them profoundly regret this and other similar crimes by God's will," he proclaimed.

Hezbollah has also promised revenge. Hasan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah, stated, "Any timeframe will not constrain the Iranian response. The Iranians are deliberating and learning, but they will answer decisively."

Source: CBS News