Iran Leadership Signals Retaliation Against Israel
The Iranian leadership has pointed to Israel as the mastermind behind the assassination of Hamas' top political leader Ismail Haniyeh and hinted at retaliation.
On the 31st (local time), according to Iranian media such as IRNA and Mehr News Agency, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei stated in a declaration, "The criminal Zionist regime (Israel) martyred our guest," adding, "They have brought upon themselves a severe punishment."
He continued, "We must consider it our duty to pay the blood price for the bitter incident that occurred on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also posted on X (formerly Twitter), mourning "the martyrdom of the brave leader of the Palestinian resistance, Mujahid (warrior fighting in the holy war) Ismail Haniyeh," and said, "The terrorist occupiers (Israel) will regret their cowardly actions."
He added, "The Islamic Republic of Iran will protect its territorial integrity, dignity, honor, and pride," and mentioned, "The solidarity between Iran and Palestine will become stronger than ever, and we will follow the path of resistance and defense for the oppressed more powerfully than ever."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani also said, "Haniyeh's blood will not be in vain," and "The martyrdom of Haniyeh in Tehran will strengthen the deep and inseparable bond between Iran, Palestine, and the resistance forces."
Haniyeh was assassinated at his residence in northern Tehran after attending President Pezeshkian's inauguration ceremony held at the Iranian parliament building the previous day.
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