Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said he will make Israel “regret” the “cowardly” killing of political leader Ismail Haniyeh, adding that Iran would “defend its territorial integrity, honor pride and dignity.”
In a statement quoted by AFP news agency, the Iranian president described Haniyeh as a “brave leader.”
The Hamas political leader, who is based in Qatar, was visiting Tehran to attend Pezeshkian’s presidential inauguration ceremony.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also says that avenging his death is “Tehran’s duty,” adding that Israel – who has not claimed responsibility – had provided the grounds for “harsh punishment.”
Haniyeh was killed in a missile strike that hit the building in the Iranian capital where he was staying, according to Iranian media.
