Iran’s Khamenei Orders Direct Attack on Israel After Haniyeh’s Killing

Iran’s Reaction to Haniyeh’s Death

The announcement of Ismail Haniyeh’s death led to an urgent meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. According to The New York Times, Khamenei ordered a retaliatory strike against Israel during this high-level meeting. This kind of emergency session is rare and typically convened under extraordinary circumstances.

Earlier in April, a similar meeting occurred following an Israeli airstrike in Syria that killed two top Iranian military commanders. The recent session underscores the gravity of the situation and Iran’s commitment to respond to Haniyeh’s killing.

Israel’s Response and Diplomatic Backchannels

In response to the rising threat, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that messages have been sent through diplomatic channels warning of the possibility of a full-scale war if Iran or its proxies launch any attacks. The Israeli government has yet to officially confirm or deny its involvement in Haniyeh’s death, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at severe repercussions for any aggression against Israel.

“There are challenging days ahead,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. This statement reflects Israel’s readiness to respond firmly to any potential escalation.

Khamenei’s Statement and the Implications

Following the assassination, Khamenei described the retaliation as a duty, stating that Israel had “prepared a harsh punishment for itself” by killing Haniyeh, who was attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran. The attack occurred early in the morning after Haniyeh had met with Khamenei.

Iran’s state-run Press TV announced that Khamenei will lead the funeral prayers for Haniyeh. The assassination has shocked Iranian officials, who view it as a severe breach of diplomatic norms.

The Axis of Resistance and Regional Dynamics

The killing of Haniyeh also impacts the broader “axis of resistance,” a coalition including Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and various militias in Iraq. Leaders from these groups were in Tehran for Pezeshkian’s inauguration, highlighting the regional connections and alliances involved.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides preparing for possible escalation. The international community watches closely as Iran and Israel navigate this crisis.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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