Iran has asked the US to "step aside" as it vowed to retaliate following a suspected attack by Israel on its Syrian consulate in Damascus.
Iranian presidential aide Mohammad Jamshidi wrote on X, "In a written message, the Islamic Republic of Iran warns US leadership not to get dragged in Netanyahu's trap for US: Stay away so you won't get hurt."
"In response US asked Iran not to target American facilities," he added.
The US is yet to publicly respond to Iran's alleged message.
Tehran's proxy Hezbollah also warned Tel Aviv that it's ready for war as the latest attack marks a "turning point" since October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel. The alleged Israeli strike killed seven members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps, including Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the Quds Force.
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, a Lebanese cleric and the secretary-general of Hezbollah, said, "Be certain, be sure, that the Iranian response to the targeting of the consulate in Damascus is definitely coming against Israel."
Tel Aviv has cancelled the leaves for all combat units and mobilised more troops for air defence units. "The enemy is badly hit in all places and is therefore looking for ways to respond. We are ready with a multi-layered defence," said Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
-- with inputs from agencies
