Norman Roule: The IRGC, responsible for the protection of Ismail Haniyeh, has been humiliated

Norman Roule, a senior policy advisor at the 'United Against a Nuclear Iran' organization, commented on the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Hamas militant group, saying to Voice of America: 'The IRGC and other officials responsible for Haniyeh's protection have been humiliated.' In an interview with Kambiz Tavana, a reporter for Voice of America, he responded to a question about the possibility of retaliatory action by the Islamic Republic in response to Haniyeh's killing in Tehran: 'The Supreme Leader said that Tehran must respond to this incident. The IRGC and other officials responsible for Haniyeh's protection have been humiliated and must take action to restore their reputation. Another point is that all of the Islamic Republic's proxy forces are looking to Iran to demonstrate that it has deterrent capabilities. For these three reasons, I believe Iran will respond.' He emphasized that 'Iran must think about this matter,' adding: 'Iran's response to Israel in May was an embarrassing failure; it launched hundreds of missiles and drones but achieved very little.' The senior policy advisor added: 'The Israeli defense forces have shown that they have the upper hand. Moreover, the Islamic Republic must demonstrate that it can carry out successful operations without making concessions. Therefore, I think Iran must consider an action that does not escalate regional confrontation but shows its ability to strike Israel. In my opinion, working on this issue will take time, especially if such a plan has not been prepared in advance.' He responded to the question of whether Hezbollah, Iran's closest ally, would take the lead in the war with Israel and complicate matters for Israel, saying: 'Hezbollah must respond to the killing of Foad Shakir. Therefore, Hezbollah has its own security issues and needs to think about retaliating against Israel's actions. I believe the Islamic Republic will turn to all its proxy forces, but we must remember that Israel retaliated against Houthi attacks on Tel Aviv by attacking the port of Hodeidah. So there is a possibility that several proxy groups will be part of Iran's retaliatory plan.' Mr. Roule commented on the impact of Haniyeh's killing on the relationship between Israel and the United States on the eve of the U.S. presidential elections, stating: 'I don't think a major change will occur. Lloyd Austin, the Secretary of Defense, immediately stated that we will continue our partnership with Israel to help defend this country. The United States will continue to emphasize diplomacy to reduce tensions in the region, and like all regional actors, including Iran, it has no interest in starting a conventional war at this moment.' The Islamic Republic's ambassador to Lebanon commented on Haniyeh's killing: 'The Israelis will receive their response.' Senator Marco Rubio's reaction to Haniyeh's killing: 'The Islamic Republic has no right to complain.' Germany's reaction to Haniyeh's killing: 'We must prevent the escalation of tensions in the region; Hamas is a terrorist organization.' Blinken: 'The U.S. was not aware of the killing of Ismail Haniyeh and had no involvement in it.' Lloyd Austin after Haniyeh's killing: 'We will definitely help defend Israel; war is not inevitable.' Coverage of Haniyeh's killing in Tehran was limited, and the Attorney General threatened media activists.