Iran's expected revenge for an Israeli attack on the former's embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, looms large at Eid prayers in Tehran, along with the threat of a catastrophic regional war as Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei vows retaliation.

Tehran

Iran's stance on retaliation following a serious incident involving its embassy in Damascus, Syria, was made clear during Eid prayers in Tehran. An attack attributed to Israel on Iran's embassy complex has escalated tensions, with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei promising a response. This situation has raised concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict.

The specifics of the attack, such as the timing and casualties, especially regarding the reference to "deaths of military leaders," were not provided in the given information. However, the emphasis on Iran's vow for retaliation at a significant religious gathering highlights the gravity with which Iran views this incident. The looming threat of a catastrophic regional war underscores the precarious state of relations in the region.



Iran vows to retaliate for deaths of military leaders

As thousands gathered in Tehran for a prayer ceremony to mark the end of Ramadan, Iran's supreme leader used the moment vowing retaliation after the deaths of several senior Iranian military leaders. It must be punished and will be punished, he said. Iran blames Israel for this April 1st airstrike on the Iranian embassy complex in Syria which killed several Iranian officers including generals. And while Israel has not claimed responsibility, it's bracing for a possible Iranian response. Israel is prepared and on high alert both defensively and offensively, says this military spokesman. The U.S. has been working behind the scenes to de-escalate tensions. The Secretary of State calling his counterparts in China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other regional partners. The Secretary has been making clear to every country that has any semblance of a relationship with Iran that it is in their interest to use that relationship to send a message to Iran that they should not escalate this conflict. The U.S. also issued a new security alert restricting the personal travel of American government employees and their families in Israel, mainly to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It comes just a day after President Joe Biden described the Iranian threat as significant. Our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again, ironclad. The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East has now arrived in Israel. He's there reportedly to help coordinate a response to an Iranian attack. A senior American official speaking to journalists said they expect a strike but that it won't be large enough to draw the U.S. further into the conflict. Katie Simpson, CBC News, Washington.

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