Hamas Leader Killed in Iran by Bomb Planted Months Earlier

A bomb that killed Ismail Haniyeh, the top leader of Hamas, in Iran was reportedly planted several weeks ago, according to sources. Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and had been seen at the event shortly before the attack.

The New York Times reports that assassins planted the explosive approximately two months ago in a Tehran guesthouse protected by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, where Haniyeh had previously stayed. When it was confirmed that Haniyeh was in his room, the explosive was remotely detonated early Wednesday, killing him and a bodyguard.

The explosion reportedly shook the building, shattered windows, and knocked down part of an exterior wall. Medics quickly arrived at the scene and declared Haniyeh dead, while attempts to revive the bodyguard were unsuccessful.

Khalil al-Hayya, the deputy commander of Hamas in the Gaza Strip who was also in Tehran, arrived at the scene and confirmed Haniyeh’s death. The room next to Haniyeh’s, where Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader Ziyad al-Nakhalah was staying, sustained minimal damage in the blast.

The report noted that the method of how the bomb was introduced into the guesthouse remains unclear and dismissed early speculation of a missile strike. Iranian and U.S. officials have attributed the assassination to Israel, which has not publicly claimed responsibility for the operation. However, Israeli intelligence officials reportedly briefed the United States and other Western governments after the attack.

A senior Israeli intelligence official had previously vowed to target Hamas leaders, including those in foreign countries, following the group’s October 7 terrorist attacks.

In retaliation for Haniyeh's assassination, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered a direct strike on Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that a July 13 strike in Gaza killed Mohammed Deif, the commander of Hamas’ military wing, second only to Yahya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip.

This assassination marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel, highlighting the ongoing conflict involving key regional players.

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