Khamenei Commands Strike on Israel in Response to Haniyeh's Elimination

Iran is reportedly preparing a direct attack on Israel in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday morning. This development follows a report from the New York Times, which cites three sources indicating that Iran's Supreme National Security Council issued the directive during an emergency meeting.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, expressed his intentions for retribution in a post on X earlier in the day. “Following this bitter, tragic event which has taken place within the borders of the Islamic Republic, it is our duty to take revenge,” Khamenei wrote, signaling a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

This is not the first time Iran has directly targeted Israel. In April, Iran launched a direct assault involving 300 drones and missiles, 99% of which were successfully intercepted by a coalition of five armies, including the US, Israel, Jordan, and the United Kingdom.

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has intensified the already fraught relations between Iran and Israel. In response to these developments, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has reiterated America's commitment to defending Israel, stating, “If Israel is attacked, we certainly will help defend Israel.” Additionally, US National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby emphasized, “We have and will maintain a level of readiness to preserve our national security interest in the region. It's not like we take a blind eye to what Iran is capable of doing and has shown their capability of doing in the region.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that challenging days might lie ahead, asserting Israel's preparedness for any scenario. He highlighted the existential battle against Tehran, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting and held security consultations to assess the situation and plan the necessary responses.

As tensions continue to rise, Israel stands firm in its commitment to safeguard its citizens and territory against any threats. The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds, aware of the broader implications such conflicts have on regional stability. This latest development underscores the complex and volatile nature of the Middle East, where historical tensions frequently lead to modern-day confrontations. Sharing this story helps to shed light on these critical issues and invites you to subscribe to our newsletter for continued updates on this developing situation.