Iranian Officials: Iran on High Alert, Will Directly Respond to Israeli Strike
Two Iranian officials told American media on Friday, April 5, that Iran had placed all its armed forces on full high alert and a decision had been made that Iran must respond directly to the strike attributed to Israel in its embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, to create deterrence.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for the strike, which killed at least seven officials including senior IRGC commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi. British media cited a Lebanese security source as the first to identify Israel as the responsible party, to which an Israeli military spokesperson responded, “We do not comment on reports in the foreign media.”
Iran has until now taken care to avoid a direct conflict with Israel that could lead to full-fledged war, with only its proxies – Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen – having launched direct attacks on Israel.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a threat to Israel on Wednesday and said it would “be slapped” for the strike. Later, on Friday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah also warned that an Iranian retaliation for the air strike is “definitely coming.”
US military forces in the region have been placed on heightened alert. Israel has also placed its military on high alert, according to an Israeli official, canceled leave for combat units, recalled some reservists to air defense units, and blocked GPS signals. (INN / VFI News)
“Our Heavenly Father, we pray that the truth comes out in regards to the strike in Iran’s embassy in Syria, and we trust that You will thwart any potential attacks against our people. We pray for Your intervention in Yeshua’s name and we hope that You will guide our forces into defending our country on all fronts. May You protect the vulnerable and strengthen those who need it. We thank You for Your continuous provisions and all the responsible, efficient professionals you have gifted us to keep us safe.”
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