Tehran, July 31 — Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has commanded a direct attack on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas. The order was issued during an emergency meeting of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, attended by Khamenei and key military officials, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the New York Times reported.

Haniyeh, who was killed along with one of his bodyguards in Tehran, was a central figure in the Palestinian resistance movement. Iran's response has been swift and severe. Khamenei has publicly vowed to avenge Haniyeh's death, stating that the murder, which occurred on Iranian soil, will not go unpunished.

The Iranian government, including newly elected President Massoud Pezheshkian, the Foreign Ministry, and the IRGC, has expressed their intent to retaliate. They assert Iran's right to defend itself against what they perceive as violations of its sovereignty.

Following the assassination, Khamenei directed military commanders to prepare for both offensive and defensive actions against Israel. He also voiced concerns about potential U.S. involvement in the conflict.

This development adds to the ongoing tensions in the region, as Iran and Hamas hold Israel responsible for Haniyeh's death. Israel has not officially confirmed or denied involvement in the assassination, though it has a history of targeted killings of its adversaries.