Hamas Chief Killed By Projectile With 7 KG Warhead In Tehran, IRGC Accuses ‘Criminal’ US Govt Of Supporting Attack

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on Wednesday. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) accused the US of supporting the attack and vowed to take revenge.

Iranians hold pictures of late Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh during a protest at the Palestine square in Tehran, Iran, 31 July 2024.

Source : PTI

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced on Saturday that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran by a short-range projectile with a 7 kg warhead. IRGC accused the "criminal U.S. government" of supporting the attack. The Guards vowed to take revenge for the assassination, which occurred on Wednesday and has heightened fears of direct conflict between Tehran and Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war and escalating tensions in Lebanon.

According to news agency Reuters, the statement of the Guards condemned Israel, referring to it as the "terrorist Zionist regime," for Haniyeh's death and promised retribution "at an appropriate time, place, and manner." Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the strike that killed Ismail Haniyeh soon after he attended the inauguration of Iran's new president. But, Israeli officials have not claimed responsibility. 

As per India Today, previously, it was reported that Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran by an explosive device covertly hidden in the guest house where he was staying.

US, Israel Bracing For Retaliatory Attack By Iral

Meanwhile, the United States and Israel are bracing for a retaliatory attack from Iran and its allies this weekend. A senior Israeli official indicated that the intelligence community is expecting a large-scale missile attack on Israel.

The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional warships and fighter jets. The Pentagon officials stated that more ballistic missile defence-capable cruisers and destroyers are also being arranged.

Haniyeh was killed after his residence was targeted in Tehran at 2 am on July 31. And, was buried on Friday in Qatar, where he resided.

"It is Allah who gives life and causes death. And Allah is all-aware of all actions ... 'If a leader leaves, another will arise'," Before being assassinated in Tehran, Haniyeh delivered a final speech to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Ali Khamenei that included a quote from the Koran that addressed resilience, life, death, and immortality, as per Reuters.