Iran strikes Syria for first time since war began — Reuters
File photo: an explosion in Syria (Getty Images)
Iran has launched a strike on eastern Syria. This is Tehran’s first direct attack on Syrian territory since the start of the war in the region, Reuters reports.
According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack. The strike was a direct response to the deaths of Iranian servicemen in the city of Iranshahr.
A Syrian military source clarified that the attack took place near the Al-Tanf base, though the base itself was not hit. According to preliminary information, there were no casualties or significant damage as a result of the strikes.
Damascus is trying to avoid being drawn into a broader regional conflict that has now engulfed neighboring states. Back in March, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa publicly emphasized that his country seeks to stay out of the escalation.
During a speech at the London-based think tank Chatham House, he stressed that Syria would remain outside the conflict unless it came under direct attack or became a target for one of the parties.
Iran has asked the Yemeni Houthis to be prepared to block the oil route through the Red Sea if the US strikes Iran’s energy infrastructure.
On July 16, the United States launched new strikes against Iran. The attack took place five days after shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz had sharply declined.
