Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for an attack in eastern Syria on Friday, marking Tehran's first known strike on Syrian territory since the onset of a regional conflict. The Guards stated the target was a U.S. special operations command center at al-Tanf, alleging it was retaliation for the killing of Iranian soldiers in Iranshahr.
State media disseminated the claim, though Reuters could not independently verify its veracity. A Syrian military source confirmed an Iranian strike occurred near Tanf but asserted it did not impact the base itself, reporting no casualties or material damage.
The al-Tanf base, situated at the junction of Syria, Jordan, and Iraq, was reported by the U.S. military in February to have completed its withdrawal. Syria has largely endeavored to remain equidistant from the escalating regional hostilities, which have involved neighboring Lebanon, where Hezbollah has engaged Israeli forces, and Iraq, where Iran-aligned militias have conducted drone and rocket assaults.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reiterated in March Syria's intention to abstain from direct involvement in any conflict unless directly attacked. During an event hosted by the Chatham House think tank in London, al-Sharaa stated, "Unless Syria is targeted by any party, Syria will remain outside any conflict."
The Revolutionary Guards' statement also asserted Iran's continued control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that oil and gas exports through the vital waterway would cease for the duration of U.S. military actions.
