Iranian authorities are gearing up for a strong response to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian movement Hamas, in Tehran by employing special operations tactics. This announcement came from Iran’s United Nations mission, which stated that these operations will be more rigorous and intended to make the perpetrator regret their actions deeply.
The assassination of Haniyeh took place on October 26, 2023, when Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (elite units of the armed forces) announced that he had been killed. According to Al Mayadeen, a missile was launched at Haniyeh’s location in Tehran from “another state” and not directly from within Iranian territory. The missile reportedly struck his residence during his stay there for the inauguration of Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian.
Deputy Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau Mousa Abu Marzook has issued a warning that the assassination of Haniyeh will not go unanswered and will be met with a strong response from the movement. In addition to this announcement, Israeli authorities have remained tight-lipped about their involvement in the attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has instructed ministers not to comment on the issue, while lawmakers have received similar directives. This silence has fueled speculation about Israel’s role in Haniyeh’s assassination and whether or not it was a state-sponsored operation.
In response to these events, Iran is now preparing for its own special operations aimed at retaliating against those responsible for the assassination of Haniyeh. This move signifies a major escalation in tensions between Iran and whoever was involved in the attack, which could have far-reaching consequences in the region and beyond.
As Iran continues to develop and carry out its special operations plan, it remains to be seen how these events will unfold and what impact they will have on the broader political landscape. One thing is certain: the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has opened up a new chapter in the ongoing power struggle between Iran, Israel, and other regional players.