Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas, was assassinated during a visit to Iran, triggering a forceful response from Iranian leadership. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the assassination, declaring, "Tehran's duty is to avenge his [Haniyeh's] death," according to Al Jazeera.

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian accused Israel of orchestrating the assassination, denouncing the act as a "cowardly" killing. He stated that Israel should "burn with remorse" and emphasized Iran's commitment to protecting its territorial integrity, honor, pride, and dignity.

Following the assassination, senior commanders of Iran's Revolutionary Guards convened an emergency meeting with National Security Council members. While the IRGC has not released an official statement, they confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Ismail Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of President Massoud Pezeshkian. His assassination has further inflamed tensions in the region, with Iran promising retaliation and international observers closely monitoring the situation.