News Brief
Iran Warns US To "Stay Away" Amid Rising Tensions With Israel Over Syria Consulate Attack
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in brown robe with Iranian military leaders.
In the wake of a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States, urging it to "stay away".
Mohammad Jamshidi, the Iranian president's deputy chief of staff for political affairs, conveyed Iran's message, saying, "warned the US not to get dragged into Netanyahu's trap", referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"In a written message, the Islamic Republic of Iran warns US leadership not to get dragged in Netanyahu's trap for US: Stay away so you won't get hurt. In response, the US asked Iran not to target American facilities," Jamshedi said.
"In response, the US asked Iran not to hit American targets," Jamshidi added.
While the US has refrained from commenting on Iran's alleged communication, reports suggest heightened vigilance and preparation for a potential Iranian retaliation against Israeli or American assets in the region.
According to reports, Biden administration is bracing for a "significant" response from Iran, possibly targeting military or intelligence installations rather than civilian sites.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has taken the unusual step of directly communicating to Iran its unawareness of Monday (1 April) strike in Damascus.
Iran, vowing a retaliatory "slap" to its archenemy Israel, remains cryptic about the timing and nature of its response.
The recent airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, claiming the lives of at least seven Iranians, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
While Israel has targeted Iran-linked assets in Syria previously, this strike represents the first direct hit on an Iranian diplomatic facility.
In response to the escalating situation, Israel has ramped up its defenses, canceling combat troops' home leave, mobilizing reserves, and bolstering air defenses.
Additionally, Tel Aviv has scrambled navigational signals to counter potential threats from GPS-guided drones or missiles.
