Iran vows revenge for Syria attacks, US issues travel warning to Israel

Here are five of the most important developments in the story:

• Citing a source familiar with U.S. intelligence, Reuters reported that Iran had been “very clear” that its response to the Damascus attack would be “controlled,” “not escalatory,” and “use regional proxies.” Israel launched multiple attacks.” Tehran has been careful to avoid regional spillovers from the Israel-Gaza war, while backing groups launching attacks from Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon.

• The U.S. Embassy in Israel on Thursday asked its employees and their families to limit travel outside Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba due to the looming threat from Iran, Reuters reported. Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden said Iran had threatened “a major attack on Israel” and vowed that the United States would “firmly” support its allies.

• Russia, Germany and Britain have called for restraint to avoid war in the Middle East. Lufthansa said it had suspended flights to and from Tehran until April 13. Austrian Airlines, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, also said it still planned to fly to Tehran but was adjusting the timing to avoid crews having to disembark overnight.

  Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry told citizens not to travel to the Middle East, specifically Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was continuing its war in Gaza but was “preparing” for situations elsewhere amid fears of Iranian retaliation. “We are preparing to meet the security needs of the State of Israel, both in defense and attack,” he added.