Tehran, Iran – Iran is poised to launch a direct attack on Israel in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday morning, as reported by the New York Times citing three sources.
The decision was made during an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, emphasizing the country’s determination for retribution.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei expressed a strong message of vengeance earlier in the day on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Following this bitter, tragic event which has taken place within the borders of the Islamic Republic, it is our duty to take revenge,” Khamenei wrote.
This incident has escalated tensions between the two nations, adding to the already volatile regional dynamics.
In April, Iran had previously launched an attack on Israel, where ninety-nine percent of its 300 drones and missiles were intercepted by a coalition of five armies, including those of the US, Israel, Jordan, and the United Kingdom.
As news of Haniyeh’s assassination spread, a picture of him was seen being hung by a man in a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon, symbolizing the grief and anger felt among his supporters.
In response to the heightened tensions, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin affirmed the United States’ commitment to Israel’s defense. “If Israel is attacked, we certainly will help defend Israel,” Austin stated.
John Kirby, the US National Security Communications Adviser, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the readiness of US forces in the region. “We have and will maintain a level of readiness to preserve our national security interest in the region,” Kirby said.
“It’s not like we take a blind eye to what Iran is capable of doing and has shown they’re capability of doing in the region. It’s not like we’ve demonstrated an unwillingness to defend Israel from threats in the region, including from Iran if that happens. We maintain that capability and that readiness to do so now,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the nation on Wednesday night, warned of challenging days ahead and assured that Israel is prepared for any scenario. He described the ongoing conflict with Tehran as an existential battle for Israel.
Earlier, Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting and held extensive security consultations to strategize the nation’s response and preparedness.
The assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel, setting the stage for potential military confrontations. The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds, with fears of further destabilization in the Middle East.
As Iran prepares to retaliate, the strategic alliances and military readiness of both nations will be crucial in the coming days. The world waits to see how this latest chapter in the Iran-Israel conflict will unfold, with the potential for significant geopolitical repercussions.