Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has commanded a direct strike on Israel following the alleged assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, as reported by the New York Times. Khamenei made this decision during an urgent meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, shortly after revealing Haniyeh’s death. While Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for the assassination, Israel, which is currently fighting Hamas in Gaza, has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
Khamenei is set to lead Haniyeh’s funeral prayers in Tehran, according to Iran’s state-run Press TV. Iranian officials are considering a possible attack involving drones and missiles on military sites near Tel Aviv and Haifa. They are also exploring a more extensive assault with support from allied forces in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, along with other officials, has expressed Iran’s intention to retaliate against Israel, citing their right to defend national sovereignty.
In response, US State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel remarked that Iran has been the “largest and greatest exporter of terrorism” since 1979, emphasizing that the US stands with its allies against Iranian threats and will take necessary actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed recent Israeli military actions against various groups but did not confirm or deny responsibility for Haniyeh’s killing. He mentioned attacks on Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah in recent weeks.