Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered Iran to launch a direct strike on Israel in response to the killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran Ismail Haniyeh.
The New York Times reports this, citing three Iranian officials who were allegedly informed of the order.
The Elimination of Ismail Haniyeh — Iran's Reaction
— We believe that it is our duty to avenge Haniyeh's blood. Since the attempt on his life occurred on the territory of the Islamic Republic, Israel has paved the way for severe punishment, — sources report Khamenei's words at an emergency meeting of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
The American publication also notes that a number of other officials in Tehran were shocked by Haniyeh's murder, calling it a violation of the so-called red line in relations with Jerusalem.
Now watching
They do not see this operation as Israel eliminating its enemy, but rather as an insult to their security apparatus, which suggests that anyone in Iran, at any level, can be targeted and killed.
The Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran — what is known
On July 31, the Hamas group announced the death of its leader Ismail Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards.
The murder occurred after the inauguration ceremony of the new Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iran and Hamas militants immediately blamed Israel for the leader's death, while official Jerusalem neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
