Hamas has announced that its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an Israeli strike in Tehran, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. This development follows the recent assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon by Israeli forces.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed retaliation, condemning the attack as a severe provocation and threatening Israel with severe consequences. “You killed our dear guest in our house and now have paved the way for your harsh punishment,” Khamenei stated.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has indicated that the United States was neither aware of nor involved in Haniyeh’s killing. Israel has not officially confirmed or denied its involvement in the assassination. However, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant mentioned that while Israel does not seek war, it is “preparing for all possibilities” in light of recent events.