On February 3, Iran's top military commander, Major General Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), declared that Tehran would deliver a 'severe' response to the latest US airstrikes on targets in Syria and Iraq.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out strikes on facilities used by the IRGC and Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq and Syria. The operation was retaliation for a drone attack on January 28 that killed three US soldiers at Tower 22 base in Jordan.
According to a statement from the Iranian President's Office, General Salami stressed that 'the enemy will face consequences for its actions' and warned that no act of aggression would go unanswered. The statement also said Iran is not seeking escalation but will defend its 'national security and interests' with all necessary measures.
Analysts suggest these strikes could push the Middle East into a new cycle of confrontation, as both Washington and Tehran maintain hardline stances. However, both sides have publicly stated they do not want a full-scale direct conflict.
There is still no detailed information on casualties or damage from the airstrikes, while the Iraqi government has condemned the US action as a violation of its sovereignty. Syria has not yet issued an official response.
