New York Times: Ismail Haniyeh Killed by Bomb Explosion at His Residence in Tehran

The New York Times reported on Thursday, August 2, that Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas's political branch, was killed by the explosion of a bomb planted at his residence in Tehran. The publication cited seven officials in the Middle East, including two Iranians and one American. The New York Times wrote that the bomb was planted about two months ago in this guesthouse, which is managed and protected by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This location is part of a large area known as 'Neshat' in an upscale neighborhood in northern Tehran. Ismail Haniyeh, who traveled to Tehran to attend the presidential inauguration of Masoud Pezeshkian, was staying at this guesthouse. According to the New York Times, he and his bodyguard were killed on Wednesday, August 1, due to the explosion of this remote-controlled bomb in his room. Two Iranian officials, reportedly members of the IRGC, stated that the explosion shook the building, shattered windows, and caused partial wall collapses. The New York Times added that Ismail Haniyeh had stayed at this guesthouse several times during his previous visits to Tehran. These sources provided this information to the New York Times under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. The Islamic Republic and Hamas blame Israel for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The New York Times stated that several American officials, who wished to remain anonymous, share a similar assessment regarding this incident. Meanwhile, Israel has not claimed responsibility for the explosion. The IRGC announced early Wednesday that Ismail Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were hit and killed at his residence in Tehran, but did not provide further details about how this incident occurred. Hours later, the Iranian Foreign Ministry claimed that the United States is responsible for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh due to its support for Israel. Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, in his first comments about the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, promised 'severe retribution.' Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the United States was 'unaware of and not involved in' the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas. This report utilized information from the New York Times and Voice of America. Reactions to Khamenei's 'fear' during the funeral prayer; Shirin Ebadi stated that Haniyeh's killing demonstrates 'Israel's military power.' Several airlines canceled and changed flight schedules to the region following heightened tensions. Reuters reported that Iranian officials and their proxies are discussing 'retaliatory actions against Israel.' Blinken stated that the Middle East is on a path of 'more conflict, more violence, more suffering, and more insecurity.' The U.S. stated that the Security Council should address the actions of the 'proxies and terrorist partners' of the Islamic Republic. The New York Times claimed that Khamenei ordered a 'direct attack' on Israel.