TEHRAN – Iranian officials have reacted and condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was targeted in an airstrike in Tehran in the early hours of Wednesday.

The Palestinian Resistance leader was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

President slams "cowardly" assassination of Ismail Haniyeh

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a strong condemnation of the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh.

In a message released on Wednesday, Pezeshkian emphasized that the Zionist regime would soon face consequences for this "cowardly terrorist act." 

He stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran will not abandon its efforts to protect its territorial integrity, sovereignty, dignity, and reputation. The Zionist regime will soon see the results of its cowardly act."

3 days of national mourning and international call to action

In response to the assassination, Iran has declared three days of national mourning. 

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has called for a global response to Israel's actions, describing the assassination of Haniyeh as a blatant violation of international law and a serious threat to regional peace and security. 

The ministry's statement described the attack as another manifestation of the "aggressive and law-breaking nature" of the Israeli regime, urging countries and international organizations to hold Israel accountable. 

"We expect the international community to take necessary political, legal, and punitive measures against this rogue regime in support of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination," the ministry stated.

IRGC promises retaliation

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has vowed a severe response to Haniyeh's assassination. 

In a statement, the IRGC described the killing as a cowardly act that would not go unanswered. They pledged that Haniyeh's blood would not be shed in vain and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Palestinian Resistance against Israeli aggression. 

"The martyrdom of Haniyeh will only strengthen our resolve to fight against the Zionist regime," the IRGC stated.

Acting FM calls for justice

Interim Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani also condemned the assassination, describing it as a gross violation of international law and an affront to Iran's sovereignty. 

He called on the UN Security Council to address the continuous terrorist and aggressive actions of the Israeli regime. "The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns this heinous criminal act in the strongest possible terms and emphasizes its right to an appropriate response," Baqeri Kani stated. 

The Iranian mission to the UN further warned that Iran's response would involve special operations designed to instill deep regret in the perpetrators. "The response to an assassination will indeed be special operations—harder and intended to instill deep regret in the perpetrator," the mission posted on X.

Parliament speaker said Iran will avenge the blood of Haniyeh

In a social media post on Wednesday, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the Islamic Republic and the Resistance Front will avenge the blood of Haniyeh.

“May God have mercy upon the brave leader of the Palestinian Resistance, the courageous fighter and wise mentor, protector of the dignity of the resilient Palestinian nation and guardian of Islamic values, martyr of al-Quds, Haj Ismail Haniyeh,” Qalibaf said.

“The two nations of Iran and Palestine are grieving over this great tragedy together. Iran and the Resistance front will avenge the blood of their martyred brother,” he added.

The Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee also announced plans to hold an emergency session to discuss the assassination. 

Spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei condemned the act, assuring that those responsible would face consequences. "This was a cowardly act, and its perpetrators will definitely receive the necessary response. Any mischief against the commanders and leaders of the Resistance will not go unanswered," Rezaei stated. He also highlighted Haniyeh's significant role in the Palestinian Resistance and his efforts for the liberation of al-Quds.

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has united Iran's leadership in condemnation, sparking widespread calls for justice and retaliation. 

Israel pushing region, world to the brink of catastrophe: Zarif

Mohammad Javad Zarif, a close aide to new president Masoud Pezeshkian and former foreign minister, has strongly condemned the assassination of Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas, and urged international intervention to stop Israeli crimes.

"As the world is silently watching Israel's genocide and repeated acts of international terrorism and aggression, Netanyahu is pushing the region and the world to the brink of catastrophe," Zarif wrote in a post on his X social media account on Wednesday.
Zarif criticized the U.S. and EU, suggesting they should now recognize that "Netanyahu's survival is contingent upon death and destruction." 

He highlighted the recent assassination of Haniyeh, describing him as a "tireless champion of the Palestinian people's liberation from Israeli occupation." 

Zarif called the act “cowardly” and vowed that it would only strengthen Palestinians’ resolve to defend their territory and support the Palestinian fight for freedom.

"It is high time for the West to stop shielding Netanyahu's madness and join the world in ending his suicidal chaos," Zarif asserted, emphasizing the urgent need for global action to prevent further escalation and promote peace in the region.