Iran Vows to Avenge Hamas Leader’s Death

Iran vows to avenge the killing of Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an overnight air strike in Tehran, according to Iranian media. Hamas and Iran blame Israel for the strike – Israel hasn’t commented but has previously vowed to eliminate the group’s leaders.

Haniyeh, 62, is the most senior leader to be killed since the 7 October attack. Iran – Hamas’s most important backer – declares three days of mourning and promises “harsh punishment” against Israel.

The killing, hours after an Israeli strike on a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon, heightens fears of wider conflict in the Middle East. Haniyeh’s death could also delay efforts to bring a ceasefire in Gaza, as he was a key player in negotiations.

The attack brings Iran’s security agencies under question and their control over Israeli actions of this sort inside Iran. Israel has assassinated a string of Iranian nuclear scientists over the last decade or so, but never has it targeted a dignitary or a prominent Iranian political leader.

Three years ago the former intelligence minister, Ali Yunessi, said the Israeli infiltration is so deep in Iran that all officials should fear for their lives.