Israel's Promise of Revenge; Wall Street Journal: The Islamic Republic has Evacuated its Forces from Syria

As the Islamic Republic takes precautionary measures to counter a retaliatory attack from Israel, the United States and European countries have called for Israel to refrain from escalating tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Islamic Republic has begun evacuating its forces from Syria. This American publication cited Syrian security officials stating that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah, the militia group supported by the Islamic Republic, have reduced the number of their senior commanders in Syria and have also relocated mid-level commanders from their main bases. On Wednesday, April 29, Iranian officials announced the readiness of the country's air force against potential Israeli attacks and stated that Iranian commercial ships would be escorted in the Red Sea. Israel has promised to retaliate against the Islamic Republic's missile-drone attack on its territory, although the nature of this operation remains unclear. According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, the Biden administration is concerned about how Israel will respond to the Islamic Republic's attack on its territory and the possibility of reciprocal action. The Biden administration, referring to the failure of the Islamic Republic's attack, has urged Israel to avoid retaliatory operations. The Islamic Republic's attack on Israel on April 25, which involved the launch of over 300 attacking drones and ballistic and cruise missiles, was neutralized with the participation of the United States, Israel, and Arab countries in the region. In addition to the United States, Western countries have also emphasized the need to avoid escalating tensions. British and German foreign ministers, David Cameron and Annalena Baerbock, called for a reduction of tensions in the region during their meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, April 29. However, Netanyahu emphasized in a cabinet meeting that Israel would take whatever necessary actions for its defense. To encourage Israel to respond moderately, the United States announced on Tuesday, April 28, a new round of economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic, including sanctions on the IRGC and Iran's drone and missile programs. The Wall Street Journal, citing military experts, identified Iranian-related facilities in Syria as potential targets for Israel's retaliatory operations. The President of the European Commission stated that the Islamic Republic's attack on Israel is a sign of a new alliance among autocrats. The visit of the British and German foreign ministers to Israel highlighted that it is clear Israel has decided to respond to the Iranian government's attack. The United States expressed concern over the potential retaliatory attack by Israel and its consequences. Israel welcomed the European Union's move to impose further sanctions against the IRGC and the Islamic Republic.