Iran’s Leader Orders Retaliation Against Israel After Hamas Chief’s Death

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a direct attack on Israel in response to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, according to the New York Times. This decision was made during an urgent meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday morning, shortly after the death of Haniyeh was announced.

Here are the key details,

1. Order and Background:
   • Khamenei gave the order at an emergency meeting with Iran’s top security officials. This followed Iran’s announcement that Haniyeh, who was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new president, had been killed.
   • Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the assassination. While Israel is currently at war with Hamas in Gaza, it has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in Haniyeh’s death.
2. Historical Context:
   • Israel has previously targeted enemies abroad, including Iranian nuclear scientists and military leaders.
   • Over the past ten months of war in Gaza, Iran has tried to manage the situation by increasing attacks through its allies and proxy forces, while avoiding a direct conflict with Israel.
3. Previous Attacks:
   • Iran’s most significant recent attack on Israel occurred in April, when it launched hundreds of missiles and drones in retaliation for an Israeli strike on its embassy in Damascus that killed Iranian military commanders.
4. Possible Response:
   • It is unclear how strongly Iran will retaliate. Officials suggest that Iran might launch a combined attack using drones and missiles aimed at military targets near Tel Aviv and Haifa, but avoid civilian areas.
   • Another option being considered is a coordinated attack from multiple fronts, including Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
5. Military Preparations:
   • Khamenei, who has final authority on state matters and military decisions, has instructed military leaders to prepare for both offensive and defensive actions, in case the conflict expands or if Israel or the US retaliate against Iran.
6. Public Statements:
   • In his public statement, Khamenei emphasized the need to avenge Haniyeh’s death, describing it as a duty and a response to an attack on Iranian soil. He warned that Israel would face severe consequences.
7. Iranian Officials’ Reactions:
   • Other Iranian officials, including the new president Masoud Pezeshkian, the foreign ministry, and military leaders, have also declared that Iran has the right to retaliate against Israel.
8. Impact on Iran:
   • The assassination of Haniyeh at a highly secure Revolutionary Guards guesthouse has been seen as a major security failure for Iran. This incident is perceived as a significant breach and embarrassment for the country.
9. Future Considerations:
   • Analysts believe Iran feels it must retaliate to both avenge Haniyeh and deter further Israeli actions against its allies, such as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah or General Ismail Qaani, who oversees militant groups outside Iran.

Overall, Iran’s response is seen as crucial for maintaining its credibility and defending its sovereignty, especially in the face of ongoing regional tensions and challenges.

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