Iran vows retaliation against Israel over Haniyeh’s killing

TEHRAN: Iran caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri affirmed in a phone call with the UN Secretary General that Iran will not relinquish its right to retaliate against Israel under any circumstances.

Bagheri stated that the recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has compromised Iran’s national security and disrupted regional stability. He accused Israel of threatening both regional and global peace.

Read more; Iran’s supreme leader orders attack on Israel for Haniyeh killing, officials say

The Iranian Foreign Minister said that Iran will not waver in its stance on self-defense and vowed that those responsible (Israel) will face proportional punishment. He urged the international community to oppose Israel’s actions and exert pressure to end alleged crimes in Gaza.

The assassination of Haniyeh, which took place in Tehran on July 31, significantly heightened tensions in the Middle East.

In response to the growing threat of Iranian retaliation, the United States ramped up its military presence in the region. The Pentagon is deploying a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron, and additional warships to the Middle East.

This marks one of the largest movements of US forces to the region since the early days of the Gaza conflict, when the Pentagon sent two carrier strike groups as a deterrent against regional militant groups.

Amid these developments, several international airlines have suspended flights to and from the Middle East. Dutch airline KLM, along with United, Delta, Lufthansa, and ITA Airways, have canceled flights due to the escalating security situation. KLM has extended its flight cancellations to Tel Aviv until at least October, following similar decisions by other carriers.

The assassination of Haniyeh, a key figure in Hamas, prompted a strong reaction from the militant group. Haniyeh’s funeral was held in Qatar, where he was buried in Lusail. The ceremony was attended by senior Hamas officials, including Khaled Meshaal, who is expected to succeed Haniyeh.

Meshaal vowed that the assassination would only strengthen Hamas’s determination to continue its fight against Israel. He said that the group would not concede or recognise Israel.

Read more: “You killed our dear guest”: Supreme leader vows Iran will avenge Haniyeh’s death

In Israel, reports have emerged of internal discord regarding negotiations for a potential hostage and ceasefire deal. A contentious meeting among Israeli security officials and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly featured disagreements over the deal’s terms.

Netanyahu was alleged to have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed negotiations, which could impact future diplomatic efforts.