Tensions Soar as Hamas Leader Assassinated Amid Middle East Turmoil

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian prayed over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard, who were killed in an airstrike blamed on Israel that risks escalating into a regional conflict. Haniyeh's remains will be transferred to Qatar for burial.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and representatives of Palestinian militias, backed by Iran, gathered Thursday to pray over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard, following their assassination in a strike blamed on Israel that could spark a regional war.

Ayatollah Khamenei conducted the prayers at Tehran University, with Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian at his side. State television later broadcast scenes of the coffins being transported through Tehran's streets towards Azadi Square, where mourners threw flowers.

After the Tehran services, Haniyeh's remains are set to be moved to Qatar for burial on Friday. Haniyeh had visited Tehran for Pezeshkian's inauguration, hours before his death in an airstrike targeting his residence. Israeli authorities had previously vowed to target top Hamas figures, raising tensions further.

(With inputs from agencies.)