Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has presided over the funeral of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard, who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel.
The funeral, held at Tehran University, was attended by Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian and other high-ranking officials.
Haniyeh’s death has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with Iran vowing to avenge his killing.
The airstrike that killed Haniyeh was part of a series of targeted attacks by Israel against top commanders in Iran’s ally groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran supports Hamas, as well as Hezbollah and other Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza, and has pledged to continue its support despite the escalating tensions with Israel.
As thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects, Khamenei declared that Iran would “exact revenge” on Israel for Haniyeh’s killing.
The threat comes as the region teeters on the brink of all-out war, with both sides exchanging threats and accusations.
Israel has pledged to continue its targeted attacks against top commanders in Iran’s ally groups, while Iran has promised to unleash its fury on the Jewish state.
The funeral procession, which was broadcast on state television, showed the coffins being placed in a truck and moved towards Azadi Square in Tehran, where people threw flowers at them.
After the funeral services in Tehran, Haniyeh’s remains are to be transferred to Qatar for burial on Friday.
The assassination of Haniyeh has raised concerns about the potential for an all-out regional war, with both Iran and Israel exchanging threats and accusations.
The international community has called for restraint and calm, but the situation remains volatile.
The killing of Haniyeh is a significant blow to Hamas, which has been a key player in the Gaza conflict.
His death is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the region, and the coming days will be crucial in determining the course of events.
As the region holds its breath, one thing is clear: the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has sparked a chain reaction of events that threatens to engulf the entire region in conflict.