Iran says Hamas leader killed by ‘short-range projectile’, contradicting reports it was a hidden bomb

Iran said the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this week was carried out with a “short-range projectile” and a “serious explosion” outside a guest house where he was staying.

This contradicts information provided to CNN on Thursday, after a source familiar with the matter said that Haniyeh was killed by an explosive device secretly planted inside the guest house.

The death of the Hamas leader has further heightened tensions in an already volatile period, fueling fears that the conflict between Israel, Hamas and its allies could escalate into a full-blown multi-front war in the Middle East.

The Iranian government and Hamas say Israel carried out the assassination. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.

On Saturday, Iran warned that “blood revenge” for the killing was “certain.”

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that the short-range projectile that allegedly killed Haniyeh had a warhead of about seven kilograms, based on “investigations and research conducted.”

CNN’s source, who was briefed on the operation, said that about two months ago a bomb had been hidden in the guest house where Haniyeh used to stay in Tehran, and was detonated remotely as soon as he entered his room.

According to the source, US officials were informed of the operation by Israeli officials only after the assassination.

“This action was planned and executed by the Zionist regime with the support of the criminal American government,” the IRGC said. Iran calls Israel the Zionist regime.

Israel “will receive a decisive response to this crime,” which is a “severe punishment” that will come “at the appropriate time, place and manner,” the IRGC said.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Thursday that Israel is on “high alert” for both defensive and offensive military action.

“IDF forces are deployed in the air, at sea and on land and are prepared for all scenarios, especially offensive plans in the immediate future,” Hagari said.

CNN has asked the Iranian government for comment. [CNN]

The post Iran says Hamas leader killed by ‘short-range projectile’, contradicting reports it was a hidden bomb appeared first on TheConclaveNg.