In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a direct strike on Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The directive came during an emergency session of Iran’s supreme national security council, immediately after announcing Haniyeh’s death, as reported by the New York Times.
Iran and Hamas have both accused Israel of orchestrating the assassination, although Israel, which is currently in conflict with Hamas in Gaza, has neither confirmed nor denied any involvement. Iran’s state-run Press TV disclosed that Khamenei would personally lead the funeral prayers for Haniyeh in Tehran.
Iranian military officials have revealed plans for a possible coordinated attack using drones and missiles aimed at military installations near Tel Aviv and Haifa. Additionally, they are considering a broader offensive involving allied forces from Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. Newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside other key officials, has openly affirmed Iran’s intention to retaliate, asserting their right to protect national sovereignty.
In a related development, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel reiterated America’s stance against the Iranian regime, highlighting its historical role as a major exporter of terrorism and its destabilizing activities across the Middle East. “Iran is a regime that has repeatedly been the largest and greatest exporter of terrorism since 1979, not just in the Middle East but broadly,” Patel stated, emphasizing the US commitment to defending its allies and partners against Iranian threats.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while addressing the ongoing military operations against Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah, did not acknowledge responsibility for Haniyeh’s killing. “Three weeks ago, we attacked the military chief of Hamas, Mohammad Deif. Two weeks ago, we attacked the Houthis in one of the farthest operations the Air Force has carried out. Yesterday, we targeted the military chief of Hezbollah, Fuad Shukr,” Netanyahu recounted, underscoring Israel’s proactive military stance.
Comments