The recent death of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, with conflicting reports emerging about the circumstances surrounding his demise. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims that Haniyeh was killed by a “short-range projectile” fired from outside his guesthouse, while Western media reports suggest that explosives were planted by Israeli operatives.
The IRGC has accused Israel of orchestrating the operation, with the support of the US, but Israel has remained silent on the matter. The conflicting narratives have led to embarrassment for Iran and the IRGC, with dozens of officers being arrested or dismissed in the aftermath of Haniyeh’s death.
The New York Times reported that the IRGC’s intelligence agency has taken over the investigation, interrogating staff members at the guesthouse and overhauling the security details of Iranian politicians. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers for Haniyeh but was quickly whisked away by his security detail after the ceremony.
Reports from the Daily Telegraph and the New York Times suggest that Mossad agents may have planted explosives in Haniyeh’s room, raising questions about the IRGC’s ability to maintain internal security. Both Iran and Hamas have vowed to retaliate for Haniyeh’s death, with Hezbollah also promising reprisals.
The escalating tensions have put the region on high alert, with Israel deploying additional warships and fighter jets to defend against possible attacks. International airlines have suspended flights to Israel, and the US has sent reinforcements to support its ally.
Ceasefire talks in Cairo have been complicated by Haniyeh’s death, with US President Joe Biden acknowledging that the negotiations have been impacted. The situation remains volatile, with the risk of full-scale war looming large in the Middle East.
