Iran issues first statement following Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran

Iran has made its first official statement regarding the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the chief of Hamas' political bureau, emphasizing that "Haniyeh's blood will not be in vain."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani stated that Haniyeh's death in Tehran will "strengthen and deepen the close ties between Tehran, Palestine, and the resistance."

Hamas announced earlier on Wednesday morning that Ismail Haniyeh had been assassinated in Tehran. According to Iranian news sources, Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed after their residence in Tehran was targeted. Iranian media reported that Haniyeh was killed by an "air missile."

Fars News Agency added that Haniyeh was in a residence for veterans in northern Tehran when the attack occurred. The Iranian Tasnim News Agency mentioned that an investigation is underway, with results to be announced soon.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard also released a statement, saying they are "examining the details of Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran."

Haniyeh had arrived in Tehran on Tuesday to attend the inauguration of Iran's new President, Masoud Pezeshkian, at the Shura Council, where he met with both Pezeshkian and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.