Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly issued an order for Iran to strike Israel directly in retaliation for the killing of Hamas’s leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. The order was given at an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council following the announcement of Mr. Haniyeh’s death.
Accusations have been made by Iran and Hamas against Israel for the assassination, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement. The incident occurred while Mr. Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new president.
Israel has a history of targeting its enemies abroad, including Iranian nuclear scientists and military commanders. This latest development adds to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly amidst the conflict in Gaza.
Iran has been strategically balancing pressure on Israel by increasing attacks through its allies and proxies in the region, while attempting to avoid a full-scale war with Israel. Despite launching a significant attack on Israel in April, which was in retaliation for an Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Damascus, Iran’s efforts have been met with limited success.
For years, Iran has relied on various militias across the Middle East to exert pressure on Israel and the United States without directly engaging in conflict.
