US Warns Tehran Against Retaliation Over Embassy Attack in Syria

Washington has warned Tehran against any retaliatory actions following an attack on Iran's embassy compound in Syria. 

Tehran blamed US ally Israel for the strike, which killed two Iranian generals and five advisors.

The strike marked a significant escalation, as Israel has ramped up its activities against Iranian interests in Syria. 

The US Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Robert Wood, emphasized that the US had no prior knowledge of the attack and warned Iran against retaliation.

"We will not hesitate to defend our personnel and repeat our prior warnings to Iran and its proxies not to take advantage of the situation - again, an attack in which we had no involvement or advanced knowledge - to resume their attacks on US personnel," said Wood.

This comes after a period of relative calm, with attacks by Iranian-backed groups on US troops in Iraq and Syria stopping in February following US retaliation for a previous attack.

Iran, on the other hand, accused Israel of violating international law and the sanctity of diplomatic facilities. 

They threatened a "decisive response" and called on the UN Security Council to condemn the attack.

While the US has not confirmed the status of the targeted building, Iran's Deputy UN Ambassador Zahra Ershadi insisted it was a diplomatic facility. 

The US, however, reiterated its commitment to protecting diplomatic missions, even during conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation, highlighting the potential for devastating consequences in the region.