In the wake of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has declared it Iran’s duty to seek revenge for the attack. Haniyeh was in the Iranian capital for the swearing-in of President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday when he was killed.
“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our home and made us sad, but it also prepared a harsh punishment for itself,” Khamenei stated on his official website. He emphasized Haniyeh’s dedication to the Palestinian cause, noting his willingness to sacrifice his life and his loved ones for the battle against oppression. Khamenei’s declaration underscored a commitment to avenge Haniyeh’s death, describing it as a “duty.”
Iran’s government has announced three days of mourning in response to the assassination, which occurred within the borders of the Islamic Republic. The details surrounding Haniyeh’s death remain unclear as the incident is under investigation. While no one has claimed responsibility for the assassination, Israel has been widely blamed following its pledge to target Hamas leaders in retaliation for the October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of approximately 250 others.
Israel has not commented on the assassination, in line with its usual practice of remaining silent on operations carried out by its Mossad intelligence agency. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene a situation assessment with defense officials in response to the incident and has increased security measures for Jewish institutions worldwide.
In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the Biden Administration aims to ease tensions but affirmed that the U.S. would support Israel if it were attacked. Despite these assurances, the assassination has intensified regional tensions.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned the assassination, labeling it a grave escalation aimed at breaking the will of Hamas and its supporters. “This escalation will fail to achieve its objectives,” Zuhri asserted.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 39,000 Palestinians killed and more than 90,000 wounded.
As the investigation into Haniyeh’s assassination continues, the region remains on edge, bracing for potential retaliatory actions and further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
