Tehran: Tehran is engulfed in a wave of anger and calls for vengeance following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. In a dramatic and symbolic gesture, a red flag was raised over the historic Jamkaran Mosque in Qom, signifying a call for revenge. The flag was hoisted shortly after Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stern warning of retribution.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Condemns “Cowardly” Killing
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released a scathing statement condemning the assassination of Haniyeh, describing the act as both criminal and cowardly. The IRGC accused Israel of orchestrating the attack to distract from its failures, further inflaming tensions.
Supreme Leader Khamenei’s Vow of Retribution
Ayatollah Khamenei, in a powerful address on Wednesday, vowed to exact severe revenge on Israel for Haniyeh’s death. Khamenei declared that Israel had sealed its fate by assassinating Haniyeh, who was killed in an early morning airstrike in Tehran. “We must take revenge,” Khamenei stated on his official website, emphasizing the deep bond between Iran and the slain Hamas leader, whom he described as a “dear guest.”
President Pezeshkian’s Stern Warning
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also condemned the killing, taking to the social media platform ‘X’ to assert Iran’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity. Pezeshkian warned that those responsible for Haniyeh’s assassination would face dire consequences, promising a response that would make them regret their actions. Hamas has directly blamed Israel for the attack, though Israel has yet to officially comment on the matter.
Fatal Airstrike: Israel’s Unclaimed Operation
In a deadly airstrike, the head of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, and one of his bodyguards were killed in Tehran. Iran’s IRGC confirmed the attack targeted Haniyeh’s residence, further stoking the flames of outrage and calls for vengeance within Iran. Despite the accusations, Israel has not officially taken responsibility for the operation, leaving the international community on edge as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate.
