In a recent escalation of tensions, a prominent Iranian figure issued a stark warning, signifying an increase in the volatility of the Middle East security landscape. Yahya Rahim Safavi, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, declared all Israeli embassies globally as potential targets, as reported by the Tasnim news agency. This assertion underscores the heightened confrontation stance Tehran adopts towards Israel, which Safavi frames as a “legitimate and legal right.”
Amid these tensions, Iran showcased its military capabilities, with the semi-official ISNA news agency displaying graphics of nine missile types purportedly capable of reaching Israeli territory. This display of military prowess follows Iran's vow for retaliation after an airstrike obliterated its consulate in Damascus, resulting in the death of at least 11 individuals, including a high-ranking officer of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' al-Quds force. Although Israel has not officially acknowledged responsibility for the Damascus strike, its leadership has broadly hinted at operations targeting Iranian interests due to Iran's support of militant factions such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon—groups engaged in hostilities with Israel over the past six months.
🚨🇮🇷BREAKING: IRAN THREATENS ISRAELI EMBASSIES
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 7, 2024
Former IRGC Chief and Current Ayatollah Senior Military Advisor:
"No Israeli embassy is safe anymore."
Source: Israel Today https://t.co/WjkURR8he0 pic.twitter.com/o8tPHCMnzT
In a direct response to perceived threats from Iran and its affiliates, 28 Israeli embassies and consulates worldwide temporarily ceased operations, a move confirmed by an Israeli source to The Jerusalem Post. The decision to shutter these diplomatic missions varies by country, contingent on the assessed risk level. Contrary to some media portrayals, these closures do not equate to an evacuation but rather a suspension of operations, a security measure becoming increasingly routine amidst escalating alerts.
Notably, after a reported Israeli airstrike killed Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Israeli diplomatic entities were placed on heightened alert. The aftermath has seen increased security precautions, including advisories against public appearances for some ambassadors due to concerns over potential Iranian retaliatory actions.
🚨 ‘28 Israeli embassies and consulates have been temporarily closed because of threats on behalf of Iran and its proxies - an Israeli source told The Jerusalem Post on Friday.’
— Karen Ievers (@karenievers) April 6, 2024
‘According to the source, a "significant number" of embassies and consulates remain closed, and the… pic.twitter.com/hNNDIkfH4N
Despite rumors, Israel has refuted claims of a mass withdrawal or evacuation of its diplomatic staff worldwide, clarifying that any such decisions are collaboratively determined by the Foreign Ministry and Israel's Shin Bet security service. This situation paints a complex picture of the ongoing geopolitical chess game in the region, with both nations showcasing a mixture of restraint and readiness to escalate as circumstances evolve.
