Iran has vowed a “harsh and painful” response to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was reportedly killed in Tehran.
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps issued a statement declaring that Iran and its allies in the resistance front will retaliate for what they describe as a “crime.”
Iran’s new president, Masoud Fezeshkiani, emphasized that the country would “defend its territorial integrity, honor, and pride,” and condemned what he called “cowardly actions.”
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also weighed in, stating that Iran considered it a duty to avenge Haniyeh’s death, given that he was killed on Iranian soil. Khamenei warned, “You have killed our dear guest in our house, and now you will face severe consequences.”
In response, US DefenCe Secretary Lloyd Austin has pledged that Washington wi assist Israel in defending itself if necessary but also stressed the importance of reducing regional tensions. Austin indicated that while the situation is concerning, he did not believe a major war in the Middle East was imminent and emphasized the potential for diplomatic solutions.
Meanwhile, Israel has announced that it has targeted a Hezbollah commander responsible for an attack on the Golan Heights that resulted in multiple fatalities.
Hamas has condemned the killing of Haniyeh as a “severe escalation” and warned that it will not achieve its intended objectives.
