France, India, US Impose Travel Restrictions Amid Fears of ‘Imminent’ Iranian Attack on Israel

In response to escalating tensions following reports of an ‘imminent’ Iranian attack on Israel or its interests, several nations have taken decisive measures to ensure the safety of their citizens. This Iranian military response is expected in response to a deadly alleged Israeli air raid on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Tel Aviv has not so far claimed the responsibility of the April 1 attack that killed one Iranian military commander and six other officers; however, it is being reported that Israel is being benefitted from the attack.

French authorities have issued a stern advisory, urging citizens to refrain from traveling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. Additionally, the French government has mandated the return of relatives of Iran-based diplomats to France and prohibited French civil servants from undertaking any missions in the aforementioned regions.

India has cautioned its citizens against traveling to Iran or Israel until further notice. Those currently residing in either country are urged to register themselves with Indian Embassies and exercise utmost caution regarding their safety, minimizing unnecessary movements.

“In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves. They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum,” advisory from Indian foreign ministry said.

The United States has also implemented travel restrictions for embassy personnel in Israel. Staff members have been instructed to confine their movements to designated areas within Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Beersheba as a precautionary measure.

As diplomatic efforts persist to avert further escalation, US President Joe Biden has pledged unwavering support to Israel, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for vigilance.

Will Iran respond to Damascus consulate Attack?

Last week’s strike was a pattern Tel Aviv has been showcasing in Syria since the beginning of its brutal and bloody war on Gaza. The attacks often targeted warehouses, airports and trucks. However, Monday’s attack was different, as it struck a diplomatic building challenging the sovereignty of Iran.

It is not clear as of yet in which way Iran will respond to the attack, as it reportedly has several options. It is highly speculated that Tehran would use the power of its ideologically aligned allies outside the country, known as Aix of Resistance. Allegedly, it includes, Yemen’s Houthis, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah and Syria’s Bashar al-Assad government.

Supreme leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei is under pressure after the Damascus attack. He made public statement like Iran’s “brave men” will punish Israel. failing to live up to the words will make Iran look weak in front of friends and foes alike, threatening to cause future issues at the time of regional unrest.

Israel is well protected. US and European war ships placed a blanket of defence along the Red Sea, Tel Aviv’s missile defense have been able to knock out major parts of attack against it.

Even the best of Iran’s weapon could trigger a harsh and ruthless response from Israel, as the latter is still reeling in the embarrassment caused by Hamas on October 7th. The Israeli response might be bad for Iran.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah is another option, but it will seem like Tehran using its best cards early, and might be left with no cards to use in future.

Another option is attacking Israel’s diplomatic building, but Tel Aviv has reportedly shuttered all 28 embassies world wide as a precautionary method. It would also damage Iran’s relation with the host nation.

Iran is in a pickle, where the sum of all its major plans to attack Israel does not add up much. So will Iran respond to Israeli attack and how is a highly anticipated question looming above Tehran.