Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a direct strike on Israel in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, according to the New York Times.
Khamenei issued the order during an emergency meeting of Iran’s supreme national security council, shortly after announcing Haniyeh’s death. Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the assassination, although Israel, which is currently engaged in conflict with Hamas in Gaza, has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
Iran’s state-run Press TV reported that Khamenei would lead funeral prayers for Haniyeh in Tehran.
Iranian officials indicated that military commanders are considering a coordinated attack involving drones and missiles on military targets near Tel Aviv and Haifa. They are also contemplating a broader attack involving allied forces from Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and other officials, including from the foreign ministry and the Guards, have openly stated Iran’s intent to retaliate against Israel, asserting their right to defend the nation’s sovereignty.
