Hamas Leader Assassinated in Tehran: Middle East on Edge

Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader, was assassinated in Tehran, sparking threats of retaliation against Israel and raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict. The killing follows Israel’s heightened military actions against Hamas and Hezbollah. Iranian officials have vowed revenge, with regional tensions escalating.

Early Wednesday morning, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, igniting threats of revenge against Israel and escalating fears of a broader Middle East war. The death was confirmed by both Hamas and Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Though widely suspected to be an Israeli strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. Haniyeh was killed by a missile strike in a state guesthouse, according to Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official.

Haniyeh had been engaged in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza when he was killed, just after Israel claimed to have killed Hezbollah's military leader in Beirut. Iran declared national mourning and blamed the U.S. for supporting Israel. Israeli officials stress their preparedness for any scenario amidst rising regional tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)