Iranian President Warns Israel Over Killing of Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stern warning to Israel following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

In a statement on the X platform, Pezeshkian condemned the killing as “cowardly” and vowed that Israel would come to regret its actions. He emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran would stand firm in defending 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,” Pezeshkian declared. He lauded Haniyeh as a “brave leader.”

Haniyeh was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike in Tehran while attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president. This attack follows a recent Israeli operation that targeted a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut, resulting in the death of a high-ranking Hezbollah commander. Israel attributed this operation to a recent rocket attack on the Golan Heights, a territory annexed by Israel.

The Palestinian militant group confirmed Haniyeh’s death in a statement, noting that he died in a “Zionist strike” on his headquarters in Tehran. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also confirmed that Haniyeh’s residence was hit, resulting in his death along with a bodyguard.