Amirabdollahian’s prominence on the international stage grew during a period of heightened tension between Iran and Israel. In April, an Israeli strike on Tehran’s consular building in Damascus led to a direct response from Iran, orchestrated by Amirabdollahian. The retaliatory missile and drone attack on Israel was a calculated move, designed to convey a strong message without escalating into a full-blown conflict. Amirabdollahian’s statement to CNN warned of an “immediate and at a maximum level” response if Israel pursued further aggressive actions.