“Iran’s supreme leader stated, ‘We see it as our duty to seek revenge’ for the death of Ismail Haniyeh. Israel has not taken responsibility for the attack.”
Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel, blaming it for the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran on Wednesday. This marks an escalation in the ongoing covert conflict between the two nations, which has recently seen several high-profile attacks.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared, “We consider it our duty to take vengeance” for the death of Ismail Haniyeh. Khamenei criticized Israel for attacking the former Hamas political chief while he was a “dear guest in our house.”
Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack. Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday. The assassination is a significant blow to Iran’s security forces and its allies, though the Iranian government has not specified how it will respond. Some expect potential mass arrests within the country.
Iran has largely avoided direct conflict with Israel recently, though analysts suggest that the assassination might provoke a response, possibly involving Iran's regional allies. Khamenei has warned that Israel will face “harsh and painful” consequences.
Pezeshkian, elected on a platform of reform, initially aimed for a focus on "constructive engagement" in his foreign policy. However, the attack has overshadowed his early days in office, with Pezeshkian stating that Iran will “defend its territorial integrity, honor, pride, and reputation” and warning that Israel would “regret its cowardly action.”
The assassination follows an Israeli strike on Tuesday that killed a senior Hezbollah leader in Lebanon. Although Israel confirmed responsibility for the Hezbollah attack, it has not commented on the incident in Tehran.
The Iranian government has announced a funeral procession for Haniyeh, set to take place through central Tehran on Thursday morning. The body will be flown to Qatar for burial. Many Iranians are concerned about potential mass arrests similar to those that followed a recent Islamic State attack in the country.
Iran’s prosecutor general has announced an investigation into Haniyeh's death, which some fear could be used as a pretext for broader crackdowns. The ongoing unrest in Iran, exacerbated by recent social restrictions and violent responses to protests, adds to the tense atmosphere surrounding this latest conflict.
