Iran has pledged retaliation against Israel for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. A spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the response may take time and will be calculated.
The Middle East has been on high alert since the assassinations of Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fu’ad Shukr. Israel claimed responsibility for Shukr's killing but has not confirmed its role in Haniyeh's death.
Iran and its proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas, blamed Israel for the killings and vowed to retaliate. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei condemned Israel's actions and promised a harsh punishment.
The IRGC spokesperson mentioned that Iran's response may differ from past operations and emphasized the need for a strategic approach rather than hasty actions.
Efforts to prevent a full-scale regional war have been ongoing, with diplomatic talks aiming to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezzaee stressed the importance of a ceasefire in Gaza to avoid further escalation.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated progress in ceasefire negotiations, with Israel accepting a proposal to bridge gaps. However, Iran's stance on retaliation remains firm, stating that it is unrelated to the Gaza ceasefire.
Speculation suggests that Iran is cautious about triggering a wider conflict with its response. Diplomatic sources believe that Iran and Hezbollah may be reconsidering their vows of reprisals to avoid escalating tensions further.
