For weeks, Israel has engaged in back-channel talks over a diplomatic agreement with the Syrian government. Its strikes on Damascus this week highlight a lack of strategic clarity.

Spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Esmaeil Baqaei condemned Tuesday’s criminal attack by the Zionist regime on northern Beqaa, Baalbek, and Hermel regions in Lebanon, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of 24 Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees in those areas.

The United States did not support recent Israeli strikes on Syria, the State Department said on Thursday, adding that Washington made clear its displeasure after tensions escalated and worked quickly to stop it.