Wall Street Journal: Iran Rejects Restraint Request Regarding the Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh

The Wall Street Journal reported, citing informed sources, that Iran has rejected U.S. and Arab countries' efforts to moderate its response to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. The American newspaper noted that during the visit of Ayman Safadi, the Jordanian Foreign Minister, to Tehran, Iranian officials told Arab diplomats, 'They do not care if war breaks out.' This emphasis by Islamic Republic officials came in response to regional and global requests for Iran to temper its reaction to Haniyeh's killing. Iranian officials have promised to retaliate for this attack and speak of a definitive response to Israel within the framework of what they call 'Haniyeh's blood vengeance.' The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, wrote that the United States has asked European countries and its allies to urge Tehran not to escalate tensions. In this message, Washington warned Tehran that any attack from Iran would face a reciprocal response. The U.S. also emphasized that Tehran's restraint could enhance the chances for improving relations with the West, which has been one of Masoud Pezeshkian's electoral slogans. As part of its message, the United States also informed Tehran that it has pressured Israel to reduce tensions. Early Wednesday morning, Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political bureau, who had traveled to Tehran to attend Masoud Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony, was killed at his residence. While American media reported, citing their sources, that a bomb was planted at Haniyeh's residence, Iranian officials stated that a projectile hit the building, resulting in the death of this senior Hamas figure. The United States and the European Union have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. Although Iranian officials have stated that a response to Haniyeh's killing is certain, it remains unclear when, at what level, and in what dimensions this will occur. Earlier, in Farvardin of this year, the Islamic Republic sent nearly 300 drones and missiles toward Israel in response to a missile attack on its consulate in Damascus that resulted in the deaths of several senior IRGC commanders. However, Israel, with the help of its allies, including the United States and the United Kingdom, intercepted and shot down nearly all of those missiles and drones. At that time, Jordan also assisted Israel in neutralizing those attacks. Safadi stated last week regarding the possibility of regional war expansion that Jordan would not allow its territory to become a battlefield. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the country is prepared to respond 'to any aggression.' Mr. Netanyahu also stated in another part of his remarks in the Israeli cabinet that, 'We are currently in a multi-faceted war with Iran and its proxy forces and are prepared for any scenario, whether defensive or offensive. I repeat to our enemies: we will respond to any aggression from any arena, and anyone who wants to strike Israel will pay a very heavy price.' Iran and Hamas have held Israel responsible for Haniyeh's death, but the country has not commented on this matter according to its usual policy. Although there is disagreement about the manner of Haniyeh's death, whether he was killed by a bomb or a missile, this incident is considered a humiliating security failure for Iran. Meanwhile, discussions about the possibility of security breaches or infiltration in Iran have increased. The Wall Street Journal, referring to the remarks of Sadegh Rahimi, the Deputy of the Iranian Judiciary, wrote that judicial authorities have begun investigations into Haniyeh's murder and have issued orders to identify and arrest anyone who has been negligent in this matter or has knowingly collaborated with Israel. This American media outlet also reported, citing individuals familiar with the matter, that several security officials in the Islamic Republic have been interrogated regarding Haniyeh's assassination. In the April attack by Iran on Israel, Islamic Republic officials had informed Israel and its allies of the operation a few hours before it was carried out through indirect messages, resulting in most projectiles being intercepted before reaching Israel. However, this time Iran refrained from providing precise warnings that could help reduce the impact of any attack.