Tensions Escalate in Middle East as Iran Orders Attack on Israel After Assassination of Hamas Leader
Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a direct attack against Israel. The move comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Israel launching a recent strike on Beirut.
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The assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commanding Iranian forces to launch a "direct" attack against Israel. Three Iranian officials have confirmed the situation to The New York Times.
The White House has been unable to independently verify Haniyeh's death as of Wednesday afternoon, but Tehran is blaming the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Israel launched a strike on Beirut, Lebanon, on Tuesday, but has neither claimed responsibility nor denied killing Haniyeh.
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Khamenei's English-language Twitter account expressed outrage at Haniyeh's assassination, stating that it had "prepared the ground for a severe punishment." Haniyeh was described as a martyr who had sacrificed his life for the Palestinian cause.
The Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, issued a warning later on Wednesday, stating that there is nowhere "too far" for Israel to strike if necessary. The Israeli Air Force is prepared to defend against any threats, the statement read.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that his country is facing an "existential war" against Iran's "axis of evil." Netanyahu has heard "threats from all sides" following Israel's recent strike against Beirut, but the country is prepared for any scenario.
US intelligence has accused Iran of attempting to sabotage President Trump's presidential campaign. The news of Haniyeh's assassination and Iran's subsequent threat of an attack has further heightened tensions between the two nations.
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Iranians have taken to the streets to protest Haniyeh's killing, waving Palestinian flags and holding portraits of the slain leader. Demonstrators have expressed anger and condemned Israel's actions.
The assassination of Haniyeh and the subsequent Iranian threat of an attack have escalated tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about a potential military conflict between Israel and Iran.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with the United Nations calling for calm and urging both sides to refrain from further violence. The US has reiterated its support for Israel's right to self-defense while also stressing the importance of de-escalation.
As the situation remains fluid, it is unclear how events will unfold in the coming days and weeks. The assassination of Haniyeh has added a dangerous new dimension to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with the potential for further escalation and conflict.
