In between boasts regarding Western collapse, Iranian and Syrian officials have again threatened to lash out against the U.S. and its allies – France is being explicitly named – should Western powers take military action against the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Gen. Hossein Salami, acting commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, expounded upon the point on Tuesday. He told a group of Iranian students that moves against Assad would unleash the “spirit of jihad” against the West.

Assad himself – speaking to Le Figaro – issued more pointed threats regarding “repercussions” against Paris and its interests. His comments were echoed by Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad, who named an array of countries that Syria might attack:

While he repeatedly called for reconciliation, Mr. Mekdad warned of the repercussions of a U.S. attack on Syria. He said Damascus would strike back not only at Israel, but also at Syria’s neighbors Jordan and Turkey if they take part in any U.S.-led operation. “Once the war starts nobody can control what will happen,” he said. “We believe that any attack against Syria will definitely result in chaos in the entire region if not beyond.”

[Photo: Lenziran Newsvideo / YouTube]