Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stern warning to Israel regarding the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Pezeshkian declared that Israel would come to regret its “cowardly” actions. On the X platform, he expressed his condolences for Haniyeh’s death and emphasized that Iran would defend its territorial integrity, honor, dignity, and pride.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, honor, pride, and dignity, and make the terrorist invaders regret their cowardly action,” stated Pezeshkian, referring to Haniyeh as “a brave leader.”
According to Naija News, Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli strike in Iran while attending the inauguration of the country’s new president. His death occurred following an Israeli operation targeting a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut, which resulted in the death of a high-ranking commander from the Iran-supported group, an operation Israel claimed was a response to a recent rocket attack on the Golan Heights.
The Palestinian militant group confirmed in a statement that “Brother, leader, mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the movement, died in a Zionist strike on his headquarters in Tehran after he participated in the inauguration of the new (Iranian) president.” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also confirmed the incident, stating that Haniyeh’s residence in Tehran was “hit,” resulting in his death along with that of a bodyguard.