An Israeli airstrike targeted the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, among them Brig-Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior Revolutionary Guards commander, as reported by Iran’s ambassador. The strike, which also leveled the multi-story consulate building located in the Mezzeh district adjacent to the Iranian embassy, has been strongly condemned by the foreign ministers of Iran and Syria. While the Israeli military has not commented on the incident, the action is viewed as a significant escalation in tensions. It signals Israel’s intent to apply increased pressure on Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah, amidst ongoing conflicts in northern Israel and Lebanon. The strike, executed from the Golan Heights direction, has sparked discussions on potential responses, possibly including cyber-attacks rather than conventional military retaliation. The U.S. President’s team is reportedly assessing the situation, as international calls grow for a response to the attack, which has also been criticized for violating international norms.–News Desk