Iran threatens Israel, warns of ‘grave consequences’ over strike on Syria

Iran has threatened Israel, warning there would be “serious consequences” for a reported attack on a military research center in Damascus.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said Tel Aviv would face repercussions for the Israeli airstrike against a military research center in Jamraya, rural Damascus, the semi-official Fars news quotes him as saying.

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi condemned what he characterized as “brutal aggression” against Syria.

“There is no doubt that this aggression is part of a Western and Zionist strategy to push aside the success of the Syrian people and government to return to stability and security,” Hurriyet Daily News cites him as saying. Salehi said the strike highlights the ”alignment of terrorist groups with the Zionists’ objectives.”

Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul-Karim Ali says Damascus has ”the option and the surprise to retaliate.” He gave no details on when the retaliation would be, only saying that the relevant authorities would be tasked with preparing for it.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah condemned the Israeli airstrike on Thursday, saying it was an attempt to cripple Arab military capabilities. Hezbollah further called for ”wide-scale condemnation from the international community,” the Jerusalem Post cites them as saying in a statement.

Hezbollah further  ”expressed its full solidarity with Syria’s leadership, army and people.” US officials said the Israeli Air Force (IAF) Strike within Syria on Wednesday was targeting a convoy allegedly carrying anti-aircraft weaponry intended for Hezbollah. Anonymous officials also said Israel had warned the United States prior to the attack.

The Syrian military denied that any such shipment was taking place, saying a military research facility was hit by the IAF strike. Syrian rebels have disputed that Israel carried out the attack, claiming their forces initiated the assault on the site.

Israeli officials and the military have  refused on Thursday to confirm or deny that its war planes struck within Syrian territory. On Thursday the Russian Foreign Ministry  expressed its concern over reports of the Israeli airstrike, saying that any unprovoked attack on the territory of a sovereign state is in violation of the UN Charter.