Tehran, 10 August 2024 (TDI): Iran is set to carry out an order by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to harshly punish Israel over the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps deputy commander has said.
Ali Fadavi was quoted as saying by Iranian media on Friday that the supreme leader’s orders regarding the harsh punishment of Israel and revenge for the blood of martyr Haniyeh are clear and explicit and they will be implemented in the best possible way.
Hamas political chief Haniyeh, 62, was assassinated in Tehran in July, after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Hamas and Iran have blamed Israel for Haniyeh’s murder, but the Israeli government has not confirmed or denied responsibility.
Since then, Tehran has vowed to retaliate against Israel, which has a history of assassinating enemies across the region, including in Iran.
Asked by reporters to respond to the Iranian statement, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, said the US was ready to defend Israel with plenty of resources in the region.
Also Read More: Khamenei warns against Israel Normalization, calls for Muslim Unity
When we hear statements like that we have got to take it seriously, and we do, Kirby said on Friday.
Last week, the US military also announced the deployment of additional resources to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, amid growing concerns about the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
But the US and other Western nations have also been calling for de-escalation. On Thursday, the US, Egypt, and Qatar issued a joint statement urging Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
