TEHRAN (Reuters/AFP) – Avenging Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination is “Tehran’s duty” because it occurred in the Iranian capital, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said in his message on the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
He said Israel had provided the grounds for “harsh punishment” for itself.
President Pezeshkian vows to make Israel ‘regret cowardly action’
Newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a statement saying Tehran will defend its territorial integrity and dignity.
“Today, dear Iran is mourning its sharer of sorrows and joys, the constant and proud companion of the path of resistance, the brave leader of the Palestinian resistance, the martyr of al-Quds, Haj Ismail Haniyeh. Yesterday I raised his victorious hand and today I have to bury him on my shoulders.
“Martyrdom is the art of men of God. The bond between the two proud nations of Iran and Palestine will be stronger than before, and the path of resistance and defense of the oppressed will be followed stronger than ever.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, honour, dignity and pride, and make the terrorist occupiers regret their cowardly action,” the president’s statement concluded.
Hamas says Haniyeh killing takes ‘war to new levels’
Hamas’s armed wing said that the killing of its political leader Ismail Haniyeh takes the “war” with Israel to “new levels,” warning of repercussions for the entire region.
“This assassination …takes the war to new levels and will have enormous consequences for the entire region,” the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, whose fighters are engaged in fierce battles with Israeli troops in Gaza, said in a statement.