Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has revealed new details about the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East. According to the Guard, Haniyeh was killed by a ‘short-range projectile’ with a 7-kilogram warhead, fired from outside his residence. This contradicts earlier reports suggesting a planted bomb was used.The Iranian government has directly accused Israel of carrying out the attack, with the added allegation that the United States provided support. ‘This terrorist operation was carried out by firing a short-range projectile with a 7kg explosive head, which caused a powerful explosion outside the accommodation area,’ the Revolutionary Guard stated.In response to the assassination, Iran has vowed severe retaliation. The Revolutionary Guard warned that Israel will face ‘a severe punishment at a suitable time, place, and manner’. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered a direct strike on Israel in retaliation, while Hamas and Hezbollah have also promised revenge.The assassination has led to a significant security crackdown within Iran. Over two dozen people, including high-ranking intelligence officials, military personnel, and staff from a military-run guesthouse in Tehran, have been arrested in connection with the security breach that allowed the attack to occur.The incident has raised fears of a wider conflict in the region. The United States has deployed additional warships and aircraft to the area to support Israel’s defense, while Israel has launched airstrikes on Gaza and Lebanon in the aftermath of Haniyeh’s death.As tensions continue to escalate, the international community watches closely for potential retaliatory actions. Iran’s ultra-conservative Kayhan daily has suggested that future operations could target ‘areas such as Tel Aviv and Haifa and the strategic centres and especially residences of some officials involved in the recent crimes’, indicating the possibility of a significant escalation in the conflict.
Key points
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claims Ismail Haniyeh was killed by a short-range projectile with a 7-kilogram warhead.
- Iran directly accuses Israel of the assassination and alleges US support.
- Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah have vowed retaliation, raising fears of regional escalation.
- Over two dozen arrests have been made in Iran following the security breach.
- The US has deployed additional military assets to the region in response to rising tensions.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about the method of assassination.
While the Revolutionary Guard claims a short-range projectile was used, some sources, including the New York Times, report that a planted bomb was the cause.
👾The exact location of the assassination within Tehran is unclear, with some reports mentioning a guesthouse and others referring to a hotel.
