The U. S. explicitly stated that it had “no knowledge” of it and was “not involved” in the attack that killed a top Iranian general, six Iranian military advisers and four aid workers.
A spokesperson for the National Security Council told Axios, “The United States is not involved in the [Israeli] attack and we were not informed of it in advance. “
Washington, which was quick to accept any option of doubt about its involvement in the attack, would possibly be deeply concerned that Israel’s airstrike could also escalate into a broader regional clash and provoke pro-Iranian militias to retaliate against U. S. forces.
A senior U. S. official said the Biden-led leadership had relayed the message to Iran, dispelling any suspicion of its involvement.
Israeli-American Talks
The Israeli airstrike in Syria, according to Axios, took place shortly before White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with senior Israeli officials via video conference.
However, the U. S. official said the attack in Syria was not discussed in their talks.
What’s in Damascus?
On Monday, an Israeli warplane bombed the Iranian embassy in Damascus, the Syrian capital, killing seven servicemen.
“We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack that targeted the construction of the Iranian consulate in Damascus and killed several innocent people,” said Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who was at the scene alongside the Syrian Interior Minister.
Although Israel did not make an official announcement about the attack, a New York Times report cited unnamed Israeli officials who confirmed that the country was the site of the airstrike.
Iran’s ambassador to Syria said the strike hit a consular building on the embassy compound and that his apartment is on the most sensible two floors.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement that seven Iranian military advisers were killed in the attack, adding Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the Quds Force, an elite paraarmy and foreign spy wing.
With input from agencies