Former U.S. officials and experts say the strike, which Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said killed two senior members and five officers Monday in Damascus, could mean renewed attacks on the US troops and bases in Iraq and Syria by Tehran-backed proxies.
Though the US has denied any involvement in the Damascus strike — which happened during the day on a diplomatic building near Iran’s Embassy — being Israel’s biggest ally has put Washington in the crosshairs of any retaliation from Iran.
Experts agree that any Iranian response has to be carefully calibrated to avoid a costly all-out war involving the US or its key regional ally.
By not responding, Iran will look weak, both its own forces and to its allies. It seems Iran is also very cautious about getting into any encounter with the United States or with Israel.
The Pentagon indicated that officials were concerned Israel’s strike against Iran may increase the risk to US troops in the region.
Israel has not taken responsibility for the airstrike, the US assessed that Israel was responsible.
Israel also appeared to be preparing for blowback from the strike Thursday, when its military announced it was suspending leave for reservists.
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