Khamenei Vows Revenge: Iran's Supreme Leader Orders 'Direct' Strikes On Israel

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly ordered a "direct attack" on Israel in response to the assassination of top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, according to The New York Times, citing Iranian officials.

Following Haniyeh's death, Iran convened an emergency meeting of its Supreme National Security Council, a rare event usually reserved for extraordinary situations. Similar meetings have been held previously, such as after an Israeli airstrike in Syria in April.

Israel's Channel 12 reported that Israel has communicated through diplomatic channels that it is prepared for a full-scale war if Iran or its proxies attack.

While Israel has not confirmed or denied Haniyeh's death, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of severe consequences for any aggression against Israel.

Haniyeh, who was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, was reportedly killed around 2 a.m. local time after attending a ceremony and meeting with Khamenei.

In response, Khamenei vowed revenge, describing it as Iran's duty and warning that Israel had prepared for "harsh punishment" by killing a "dear guest."

The assassination has deeply shocked Iranian officials and is being viewed as crossing significant red lines. Khamenei is set to lead funeral prayers for Haniyeh on Thursday.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as Iran's involvement through its regional allies such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and various militias, remains highly volatile.