Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a direct strike on Israel following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, as reported by the New York Times. The order was given during an emergency meeting of Iran's Supreme National Security Council shortly after Haniyeh's death was announced. Iran and Hamas accuse Israel of the assassination, though Israel has not confirmed or denied its involvement.

Historically, Israel has targeted its adversaries abroad, including Iranian figures. In recent conflicts with Hamas, Iran has increased attacks through its proxies but avoided direct war with Israel. In April, Iran launched a significant missile and drone attack on Israel in response to an Israeli strike that killed Iranian commanders in Damascus.

Iran's military commanders are now contemplating a new combination of drone and missile attacks on military targets near Tel Aviv and Haifa, intentionally avoiding civilian areas. A coordinated assault involving Iranian allies in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq is also under consideration.

Khamenei has instructed his military to prepare both offensive and defensive plans in case of further escalation. He emphasized the need for retaliation, citing the attack on Iranian soil. Other Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have echoed this sentiment, asserting Iran's right to defend its sovereignty.

The assassination of Haniyeh, occurring during a high-security event and involving prominent regional allies, has been seen as a severe security breach and an embarrassment for Iran. Analysts believe that Tehran feels compelled to respond to deter future Israeli actions and maintain its regional influence and credibility.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a direct strike on Israel following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, as reported by the New York Times. The order was given during an emergency meeting of Iran's Supreme National Security Council shortly after Haniyeh's death was announced. Iran and Hamas accuse Israel of the assassination, though Israel has not confirmed or denied its involvement.

Historically, Israel has targeted its adversaries abroad, including Iranian figures. In recent conflicts with Hamas, Iran has increased attacks through its proxies but avoided direct war with Israel. In April, Iran launched a significant missile and drone attack on Israel in response to an Israeli strike that killed Iranian commanders in Damascus.

Iran's military commanders are now contemplating a new combination of drone and missile attacks on military targets near Tel Aviv and Haifa, intentionally avoiding civilian areas. A coordinated assault involving Iranian allies in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq is also under consideration.

Khamenei has instructed his military to prepare both offensive and defensive plans in case of further escalation. He emphasized the need for retaliation, citing the attack on Iranian soil. Other Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have echoed this sentiment, asserting Iran's right to defend its sovereignty.

The assassination of Haniyeh, occurring during a high-security event and involving prominent regional allies, has been seen as a severe security breach and an embarrassment for Iran. Analysts believe that Tehran feels compelled to respond to deter future Israeli actions and maintain its regional influence and credibility.