Iran's Revolutionary Guard has claimed that a short-range projectile was responsible for the killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The Guard accused the United States of supporting the attack, which it attributed to Israel. The incident occurred at the residence of Hamas' political leader in the Iranian capital, causing significant damage. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration of newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Revolutionary Guard's statement alleged that the rocket used in the attack had a seven-kilogram warhead. It pointed fingers at Israel, labeling the action as a design of the 'Zionist regime' and claiming U.S. support for the operation. The Guard vowed retaliation against Israel, warning of severe consequences for the alleged perpetrators.
Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the assassination of Haniyeh. However, Israel had previously threatened to target him and other Hamas leaders following an attack by the group on southern Israel that led to conflict in Gaza.
The killing of Haniyeh has raised concerns about the potential escalation of regional tensions and the possibility of a direct clash between Israel and Iran if Tehran chooses to retaliate. Earlier this year, Iran launched a significant missile and drone attack on Israel, with the latter claiming to have intercepted a large portion of the assault. This incident followed a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that resulted in the deaths of two Iranian generals.
Iran's longstanding animosity towards Israel, rooted in the former's refusal to recognize the latter's existence, has led to its support for anti-Israeli militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
