Reports on Wednesday said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had ordered Iranian forces to launch “direct” attacks on Israel.
Three Iranian officials confirmed the situation to The New York Times, and the news came hours after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on Wednesday.
The White House had not independently confirmed Haniya’s death as of Wednesday afternoon, but Tehran has placed responsibility on the Israel Defense Forces. Israel launched attacks on Beirut, Lebanon, on Tuesday but has not claimed responsibility or denied killing Haniya.
“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime has martyred our dear guest on the territory of our country, bringing sorrow but at the same time preparing the ground for severe punishment,” Khamenei’s English-language X account said on Wednesday.
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In this photo published by the official website of the office of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a meeting with Iranian officials. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via The Associated Press)
“Martyr Haniya was ready to sacrifice his honorable life in this noble struggle for many years. He was ready to become a martyr and sacrificed his children and loved ones on this path.”
“It is not surprising that the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic has vowed to avenge Haniyeh’s assassination,” foreign analyst Risa Daftali told Fox News Digital. “Haniyeh was a guest of the regime and was attending the inauguration of the new president at the time the attack took place.. In the regime’s eyes, this was not just an attack on Hamas or Haniyeh, but on the Islamic Republic.”
Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar issued an ominous statement late Wednesday, promising that no place would be “too far” for Israel to strike if necessary.
“The Israeli Air Force defends and operates in all phases of war, surrounding the State of Israel with dozens of manned and unmanned aircraft and ready to respond within minutes to any scenario and situation,” the statement said. “We will take action against anyone who seeks to harm the Israeli people. No place is too far for us to strike.”
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Iranians waved Palestinian flags and held up portraits of slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a protest in Palestinian Square in the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday to condemn the killing of the leader. (AFP via Getty Images)
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was fighting “Iran’s axis of evil”.
“This is an existential war against the terrorist army and missile stranglehold that Iran is trying to put around our necks,” Netanyahu said, later adding that Israel was facing “threats from all sides” following the recent Israeli attack on Beirut.
“We are prepared for any scenario and will stand united and resolute against any threat,” the leader said. “Israel will impose a very heavy price on us if it attacks us from any direction.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a joint graduation ceremony for military cadets at Imam Hussein Military University in Tehran, Iran, on October 3, 2022. (Iranian Leadership Press Office/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
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Fox News’ Trey Yingst contributed to this report.
This is breaking news, check back for updates.
