As Israel continues its attacks on Syria without facing serious consequences from the international community, Iranian politicians are warning that any attempt to compromise with Israel or the United States will only lead to defeat.
In the past, Iranian officials and analysts had mixed views on how to respond to Israel. But recent events in Syria have pushed Tehran to adopt a more unified position: a tit-for-tat strategy is now seen as the only way to push back against Israeli aggression and stop US interference in the region.
Before the Israeli and US attacks on Iran in June, only Iran's conservative and hardline groups held this position. But after those attacks, and especially following Israel's military attacks on Syria, this viewpoint has become mainstream across Iran's political spectrum.
On 16 July, Israeli strikes targeted Syria's Ministry of Defence and the Army's General Command Headquarters in Damascus. Iranian experts and officials saw these attacks as a lesson for Iran: any move toward compromise with the US or Israel could lead to the same fate.
Mohammad Mehdi Imanipour, head of the Islamic Culture and Communications Organisation, in response to the attacks, that the long-term strategy of the United States and Israel is to divide the region along ethnic lines.
"The goal is to turn religious and ethnic divisions into real conflicts, and eventually into civil wars," he argued. "This is an unwritten but clear strategy designed by the enemy's think tanks, and new aspects of it are becoming visible every day."
He also criticised the Syrian government's recent attempts to improve relations with the US, escape sanctions, and normalise ties with Israel. He said Israel's attacks were a direct response to Syria's perceived weakness and willingness to reconcile.
According to Imanipour, these events are a bold warning to Iran, "If we think accepting the enemies' demands and moving toward coexistence based on their models of governance will prevent these manufactured crises, we are making a serious mistake."
Reza Ghobishawi, a journalist and international relations analyst, echoed this view. He argues Israel's attacks are also meant to send a message to the rest of the region.
"By attacking Syria, Israel wants to pressure Arab countries that haven't yet recognised it—especially Lebanon—to do so," . "It is also a show of force to warn other countries in the region not to challenge Israel's interests or support the Palestinians."
Meanwhile, Iranian media outlets close to the country's leadership also framed the Israeli attacks as a reaction to Syria's efforts to get closer to Tel Aviv.
When the ceasefire between Iran and Israel was implemented, the conservative newspaper Jame Jam ran a story titled, "," referring to the Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa.
"The bombing of the General Command headquarters and the Syrian presidential palace is a clear message to Jolani: appeasement and dialogue won't bring security or stability. Israel is always ready to escalate tensions to achieve its goals," the paper wrote.
Iran's interpretation of developments in Syria has taken on new significance since the end of the 12-day war. Hardline and conservative groups in Tehran have strengthened their grip on power.
These factions, who oppose any negotiations with Western powers over Iran's nuclear program—and who wanted the war to continue until Israel was defeated—now have greater influence and are shaping Iran's approach to regional affairs.
Seyyed Mehdi Talebi, a political theorist who supports military conflict with Israel, "Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, has now reached a point where he’s attacking his own allies."
"To force Jolani to give in, the Zionists are planning to increase the threat, military attacks and even assassination. They want to consolidate their gains after Assad's fall," he added.
But Iran's concerns go beyond developments inside Syria. Officials also fear that Israel will again launch direct attacks on Iran's own borders.
These concerns gained new urgency with the announcement of a new institution in Iran, called the Defence Council. The formation of this body was reported by Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), on 1 August.
Until now, the Supreme National Security Council has been in charge of national defence during wartime or in response to external threats. But the new Defence Council, according to , is tasked with "strengthening the country's defence capabilities" and "speeding up decision-making in defence matters."
While the council's full responsibilities haven't been made public, its creation—along with statements from Iranian officials about the Israeli strikes on Syria—suggests the Islamic Republic is preparing for a long-term direct confrontation with Israel.