Just a few weeks after Israel launched missiles at Syria, killing several Iranian commanders in the process, Iran has responded with a missile attack. What has caused the conflict, and what are the repercussions? 

Iran has retained a strong military presence in Syria for more than a decade since the start of the Syrian civil war. The countries are strong allies. Iran has been helping fund and train forces for Hezbollah.

Hezbollah is a Lebanon-based political and paramilitary group whose primary goal is resistance against Israel. Hezbollah represents the Lebanese Muslim Shi’ite population.

Rallies in Lebanon supporting Hezbollah

Image belongs to Copyright Holder. Image from – https://www.reuters.com Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

Israeli Embassy Strike

Israel’s aggression on Syria has been increasing steadily since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict, and on April 1st the country launched a missile attack close to the Iranian embassy in Syria. The suspected primary target, Mohammed Zahedi was a key individual in the Iran-Hezbollah allyship.

He was one of the highest-ranking officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Of the 16 casualties, 7 of them, including Zahedi, were IRGC officers.

In retaliation, on April 13, Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones targeted at Israel. This marked the first open show of force directly from Iran.

Israel reports that, with the support of the US, Jordan UK and France , the vast majority of missiles were neutralised, Despite this, Iran has declared that the attack ‘satisfied all its objectives’.  

The attack was widely condemned, and concern expressed by many countries and unions, including China, Argentina, the UK, Canada, and the European Union.  

How likely is a war with Israel? 

Despite the retaliation strike appearing to escalate the conflict between Israel and Iran. The Iranian Government posted on X: “The matter can be deemed concluded. “However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe”.

Suggesting the primary objective of the strike was to preserve Iranian honor. Additionally, an inflated economy and public dissatisfaction of the regime means Iran is not in a strong position for a full-blown war.  

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini

Image belongs to Copyright Holder. Image from – https://www.afp.com/en/news-hub https://www.gettyimages.co.uk Alex Halada/AFP/Getty Images

As a result, the chance of an Israel-Iran war in the future cannot be ruled out. Iran’s weak economy does not put it in a position for a long conflict.

Now the world must wait to see the size of Israel’s retaliation and when they will retaliate.

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Cover Image – https://wanaen.com Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

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