U.S. Central Command Chief Engages in Talks in Israel Amid Iranian Threats Following Recent Israeli Strike
Gen. Erik Kurilla convened with Israeli Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, and is slated to meet with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday. Their discussions revolve around joint preparations by Israel and the U.S. to thwart potential Iranian attacks employing ballistic missiles and drones.
Prior to this, Israeli and American officials engaged in deliberations in anticipation of an Iranian retaliation following an IDF strike that eliminated Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi in Damascus last week, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Following the culmination of the month-long Ramadan religious observance, Iran's supreme leader criticized the April 1 missile strike targeting Tehran's embassy in Syria. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced Israel, referring to it as the "evil Zionist regime," and emphasized that such actions constitute a violation of Iran's sovereignty.
"The consulate and diplomatic missions in any country are considered to be the territory of that country. When they attack our consulate, it means they have attacked our soil," stated the Ayatollah, as reported by the official Iranian Students News Agency. He asserted that the "evil regime" must face consequences for its actions.
In response, Israel has urged the Biden administration to intervene in order to mitigate the likelihood of an Iranian assault. A senior Israeli official disclosed to the Jerusalem Post that Israel has conveyed discreet yet public warnings to Tehran and has also showcased military prowess in the region as a deterrent measure.
Meanwhile, during a visit to an Iron Dome air defense site, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated Israel's readiness to retaliate forcefully against any Iranian aggression.
