Iran claims Hamas leader killed by short-range projectile contradicting reports it was hidden bomb
Iran has claimed that the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this week was carried out by a “short-range projectile” and a “severe explosion” outside a guest house where he was staying.
This contradicts information CNN received on Thursday when a source familiar with the matter said that an explosive device, covertly hidden inside the guest house, killed Haniyeh.
The death of the Hamas leader further heightened tensions at an already volatile time, raising fears that Israel’s conflict with Hamas and its allies could develop into a multi-front, fully-fledged war in the Middle East.
The Iranian government and Hamas say that Israel carried out the assassination. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
On Saturday, Iran warned that “blood vengeance” for the killing was “certain.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed in a statement that the short-range projectile that reportedly killed Haniyeh had a warhead of about seven kilograms based on “investigations and research conducted.”
CNN’s source, who had been briefed on the operation, said that someone concealed a bomb about two months ago in the guest house where Haniyeh was known to stay in Tehran and detonated it remotely once he was inside his room there. The source said that Israeli officials briefed US officials on the operation only after the assassination.
The IRGC alleged that the Zionist regime, with the support of the criminal American government, planned and executed this action. Iran calls Israel the Zionist regime.
Israel “will decisively receive the response to this crime,” which is a “severe punishment” that will come at “an appropriate time, place, and manner,” the IRGC said.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the chief spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said Thursday that Israel is on “high alert” for both defensive and offensive military action.
Hagari said that IDF forces are deploying in the air, at sea, and on the ground and are preparing for all scenarios, especially offensive plans, within the immediate timeframe.
CNN has sought comment from the Iranian government.
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