Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas, was successfully neutralized this week in Tehran using an explosive device that had been strategically planted months earlier inside the guesthouse where he was staying. The device was remotely detonated at approximately 2 a.m. local time on Wednesday, resulting in the elimination of Haniyeh and a bodyguard. The operation took place in a compound in northern Tehran, under the protection of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, as reported by Middle Eastern officials to The New York Times.
Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday. This precision strike was carried out without prior knowledge by the State Department, which has yet to comment on the incident.
Officials, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the explosive device had been expertly planted around two months ago in the room where Haniyeh was staying. It was triggered with exact timing once his presence was confirmed, showcasing the high level of intelligence and planning involved.
Haniyeh, who had previously stayed at the guesthouse during visits to Tehran, was known to be a significant figure in Hamas operations. Israeli intelligence officials reportedly provided immediate briefings to their U.S. and Western counterparts following the operation. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, both Iran and Hamas have pointed fingers at Israel, according to The Associated Press.
This strategic breach within a high-security compound, used by the Guards for confidential meetings and hosting prominent guests, highlights a remarkable intelligence feat. The incident has been described as a significant embarrassment for the military agency by three Iranian officials who spoke to The New York Times.
During a press conference on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the reports, emphasizing that the U.S. was not aware of or involved in the operation. Blinken refrained from speculating on the potential impact of this event on broader geopolitical dynamics, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza, but underscored the continued importance of achieving a ceasefire.
Haniyeh’s death was marked by a subdued funeral procession in Tehran on Thursday, where Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers over the coffins of Haniyeh and his bodyguard. This precise operation has significantly altered the dynamics in the region, carrying important implications for the future of Middle Eastern politics.
