Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a direct strike on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, international media reported
The New York Times, citing three unnamed Iranian officials, reported that Khamenei issued this order during an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday morning, following the announcement of Haniyeh’s death.
Two of the three officials are members of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). Khamenei had earlier stated on his website that Israel had set the stage for its own severe punishment.
The IRGC accused Israel of carrying out the terrorist attack that killed Haniyeh and his bodyguard at their Tehran residence. They expressed condolences and condemned the act as a violation of international laws, promising a harsh and painful response.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also conveyed his condolences on social media, vowing to defend Iran’s integrity and dignity, and to make Israel regret its actions.
