<p>Days after Hezbollah attacked Israel, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, has hinted that the Islamic Republic will soon deliver a 'calculated response' to the 'Zionist' regime in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iran has vowed to avenge the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh who was killed in Tehran by alleged Israeli forces via a bomb blast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The armed forces chief said Israel's actions in the region had even caused the United Nations to reconsider its support for the regime.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“However, Zionist leaders insist on continuing their crimes because they find themselves in a state of collapse,” added Bagheri.</p>

<p>Prior to Bagheri,&nbsp;Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in a telephone call with his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, had warned of a&nbsp;similar response.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Iran's reaction to Israeli terrorist attack in Tehran is definitive and will be measured and calculated", news outlet IRNA reported.</p>

<p>"We do not fear escalation, yet do not seek it-unlike Israel," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement by&nbsp;Bagheri comes in the backdrop of Israel launching pre-emptive strikes in southern Lebanon against Iran-backed Hezbollah on Sunday (Aug 25).</p>

<p>According to reports, Hezbollah had prepared to blindside Israel and launch a deluge of missiles and drones on the central areas, targeting IDF intelligence offices as well as Mossad headquarters.&nbsp;However, Tel Aviv caught whiff of the plans and launched the strikes in advance to neutralise the threat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&nbsp;said that the raids "destroyed thousands of short-range rockets, all of which were designed to attack Israeli citizens forces in Galilee" in northern Israel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-asia-crisis-us-working-to-prevent-escalation-after-israel-hezbollah-face-off-753425"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;West Asia Crisis: US working to prevent escalation after Israel-Hezbollah face-off</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>US worried about attacks</strong></h2>

<p>Washington is especially wary of an Iranian response after Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging&nbsp;Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deploys-warships-and-fighters-jets-to-protect-israel-from-hamas-iran-and-hezbollah-triple-whammy-746730" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy</strong></a></p>

<p>Pentagon fears that Iran may launch an all-out attack against Israel akin to the April 13 strikes where the White House was caught on the backfoot. Reports indicate that Iran might use its proxies to stage the attack which will be bigger in magnitude.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Days after Hezbollah attacked Israel, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, has hinted that the Islamic Republic will soon deliver a 'calculated response' to the 'Zionist' regime in Tel Aviv.

Days after Hezbollah attacked Israel, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, has hinted that the Islamic Republic will soon deliver a 'calculated response' to the 'Zionist' regime in Tel Aviv. Iran has vowed to avenge the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh who was killed in Tehran by alleged Israeli forces via a bomb blast. The armed forces chief said Israel's actions in the region had even caused the United Nations to reconsider its support for the regime. “However, Zionist leaders insist on continuing their crimes because they find themselves in a state of collapse,” added Bagheri. Prior to Bagheri, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in a telephone call with his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, had warned of a similar response. "Iran's reaction to Israeli terrorist attack in Tehran is definitive and will be measured and calculated", news outlet IRNA reported. "We do not fear escalation, yet do not seek it-unlike Israel," he added. The statement by Bagheri comes in the backdrop of Israel launching pre-emptive strikes in southern Lebanon against Iran-backed Hezbollah on Sunday (Aug 25). According to reports, Hezbollah had prepared to blindside Israel and launch a deluge of missiles and drones on the central areas, targeting IDF intelligence offices as well as Mossad headquarters. However, Tel Aviv caught whiff of the plans and launched the strikes in advance to neutralise the threat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the raids "destroyed thousands of short-range rockets, all of which were designed to attack Israeli citizens forces in Galilee" in northern Israel. Watch | West Asia Crisis: US working to prevent escalation after Israel-Hezbollah face-off × US worried about attacks Washington is especially wary of an Iranian response after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said. “We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added. Also read | US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy Pentagon fears that Iran may launch an all-out attack against Israel akin to the April 13 strikes where the White House was caught on the backfoot. Reports indicate that Iran might use its proxies to stage the attack which will be bigger in magnitude. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran to deliver calculated response to 'Zionist' regime in Israel, claims armed forces chief

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<p>Following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, Hamas formally declared that Yahya Sinwar will take over as the terror group's new politburo chief.</p>

<p>Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is often seen as the mastermind behind the October 7 attack that ignited the current conflict in Gaza.</p>

<p>Earlier, Saudi media reported that&nbsp;Hamas has named a new chief to lead the militant group until elections can be held next year to replace its assassinated leader Ismail Haniyeh.</p>

<p>Following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing in Tehran last week, Mohamed Ismail Darwish, the man in charge of Hamas' Shura Council, has been named as the organisation's acting leader, according to the Saudi-based Al Arabiya news.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-targets-israeli-military-sites-in-major-drone-attack-but-full-retaliation-yet-to-come-747745" target="_blank">Hezbollah targets Israeli military sites in major drone attack, IDF flies jets over Beirut</a></strong></p>

<p>Till the terror group's elections in 2025, Darwish, also known as Abu Omer Hassan, will be in charge of communicating with the leaders of the organisation in Gaza, the West Bank, the diaspora, and Israeli prisons.</p>

<p>Since the IDF assassinated his senior, Osama Mazini, in October, Darwish has been leading the Shura Council.</p>

<p>Mazini led the 2011 hostage swap, where Hamas released IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in return for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, among them current Gaza leader and October 7 planner Yahya Sinwar.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-ultra-orthodox-jews-break-into-israels-tel-hashomer-army-base-to-protest-against-conscription-747807" target="_blank">Dozens of ultra-orthodox Jews break into Israel's Tel Hashomer army base to protest against conscription</a></strong></p>

<p>The Shura Council is Hamas' second most significant political entity, made up of elected representatives from four regions, including key figures such as Sinwar and diaspora leader Khaled Meshaal.</p>

<p>The council's members are kept confidential, and they choose the 15 members of Hamas' Politburo, the main body that makes governmental decisions and selects the group's leader.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, Hamas formally declared that Yahya Sinwar will take over as the terror group's new politburo chief. Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is often seen as the mastermind behind the October 7 attack that ignited the current conflict in Gaza.

Following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, Hamas formally declared that Yahya Sinwar will take over as the terror group's new politburo chief. Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is often seen as the mastermind behind the October 7 attack that ignited the current conflict in Gaza. Earlier, Saudi media reported that Hamas has named a new chief to lead the militant group until elections can be held next year to replace its assassinated leader Ismail Haniyeh. Following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing in Tehran last week, Mohamed Ismail Darwish, the man in charge of Hamas' Shura Council, has been named as the organisation's acting leader, according to the Saudi-based Al Arabiya news. Also read: Hezbollah targets Israeli military sites in major drone attack, IDF flies jets over Beirut Till the terror group's elections in 2025, Darwish, also known as Abu Omer Hassan, will be in charge of communicating with the leaders of the organisation in Gaza, the West Bank, the diaspora, and Israeli prisons. Since the IDF assassinated his senior, Osama Mazini, in October, Darwish has been leading the Shura Council. Mazini led the 2011 hostage swap, where Hamas released IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in return for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, among them current Gaza leader and October 7 planner Yahya Sinwar. Also read: Dozens of ultra-orthodox Jews break into Israel's Tel Hashomer army base to protest against conscription The Shura Council is Hamas' second most significant political entity, made up of elected representatives from four regions, including key figures such as Sinwar and diaspora leader Khaled Meshaal. The council's members are kept confidential, and they choose the 15 members of Hamas' Politburo, the main body that makes governmental decisions and selects the group's leader. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas names Yahya Sinwar as new leader after Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination

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<p>The Iranian government&nbsp;on Saturday (Aug 3) said that it expected Iran-backed Hezbollah&nbsp;to hit deeper inside Israel and no longer be confined to military targets after Israel killed the Lebanon-based&nbsp;militant group's commander. On Tuesday, an Israeli strike killed&nbsp;Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. The Lebanese health ministry said that five civilians were also killed in the strike.</p>

<p>Since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October last year,&nbsp;Hezbollah has been exchanging near-daily fire with Israeli forces, saying it is targeting military positions over the border.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/and-the-purge-begins-iran-detains-top-intelligence-military-officers-after-haniyehs-killing-746850">Iran says Israel used 'short-range projectile' with 7 kg warhead to kill Hamas leader Haniyeh</a></strong></p>

<p>Iran's mission to the United Nations (UN) told state media that Tehran expected, "Hezbollah to choose more targets and (strike) deeper in its response."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Secondly, that it will not limit its response to military targets," the mission added.</p>

<h2><strong>Shukr responsible for Golan Heights strike</strong></h2>

<p>Israel said that&nbsp;Shukr was responsible for the strike that killed 12 people&nbsp;in the annexed Golan Heights and had directed Hezbollah's attacks on Israel since the Gaza war began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iran's UN mission&nbsp;on Saturday said&nbsp;that Hezbollah and the Israeli military&nbsp;observed certain lines&nbsp;including limiting strikes to border areas and military targets. The strike that killed Shukr crossed that line, the mission added.</p>

<h2><strong>Hezbollah's warning to Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Hours after Shukr's killing, Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a pre-dawn strike on his&nbsp;accommodation in Tehran. Israel has not yet commented on Haniyeh's assassination.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Humiliated by Haniyeh's killing in Tehran, Iran acts</strong></p>

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<p>On Thursday, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said Israel and "those who are behind it must await our inevitable response" to the killings of both Shukr and Haniyeh.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Iranian government on Saturday (Aug 3) said that it expected Iran-backed Hezbollah to hit deeper inside Israel and no longer be confined to military targets after Israel killed the Lebanon-based militant group's commander.

The Iranian government on Saturday (Aug 3) said that it expected Iran-backed Hezbollah to hit deeper inside Israel and no longer be confined to military targets after Israel killed the Lebanon-based militant group's commander. On Tuesday, an Israeli strike killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. The Lebanese health ministry said that five civilians were also killed in the strike. Since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October last year, Hezbollah has been exchanging near-daily fire with Israeli forces, saying it is targeting military positions over the border. Also read | Iran says Israel used 'short-range projectile' with 7 kg warhead to kill Hamas leader Haniyeh Iran's mission to the United Nations (UN) told state media that Tehran expected, "Hezbollah to choose more targets and (strike) deeper in its response." "Secondly, that it will not limit its response to military targets," the mission added. Shukr responsible for Golan Heights strike Israel said that Shukr was responsible for the strike that killed 12 people in the annexed Golan Heights and had directed Hezbollah's attacks on Israel since the Gaza war began. Iran's UN mission on Saturday said that Hezbollah and the Israeli military observed certain lines including limiting strikes to border areas and military targets. The strike that killed Shukr crossed that line, the mission added. Hezbollah's warning to Israel Hours after Shukr's killing, Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a pre-dawn strike on his accommodation in Tehran. Israel has not yet commented on Haniyeh's assassination. Also watch | Humiliated by Haniyeh's killing in Tehran, Iran acts × On Thursday, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said Israel and "those who are behind it must await our inevitable response" to the killings of both Shukr and Haniyeh. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran expects Hezbollah to hit deeper inside Israel after commander's killing

<p>Thousands of mourners and supporters bid farewell&nbsp;to Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh&nbsp;on Friday in Qatar (Aug 2) following his assassination in Iran's capital Tehran.&nbsp;Thousands of people gathered at Qatar's largest mosque, where&nbsp;Haniyeh's casket, draped in a Palestinian flag, was taken before leaving again for burial in Lusail, north of Doha, a report by the news agency AFP said.</p>

<p>Haniyeh's death&nbsp;was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel nears its 11th month. He had played a key role in mediated talks aimed at ending the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-haniyeh-was-killed-by-bomb-hidden-two-months-ago-in-tehran-guesthouse-746338">Hamas chief Haniyeh was killed by bomb hidden two months ago in Tehran guesthouse: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Hamas and Iran have both accused Israel of carrying out the assassination and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it.</p>

<h2><strong>Who attended the funeral?</strong></h2>

<p>Haniyeh's funeral was attended by Khaled Meshaal, who is tipped to be the new Hamas leader. The funeral was also attended by other top officials of the Palestinian militant group&nbsp;Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.</p>

<p>Speaking at the&nbsp;mosque, where Haniyeh's body was laid for prayers, Meshaal said his death would only make the group more determined to continue its fight for a free Palestine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Who is Khaled Meshaal, set to be the next Hamas chief?</strong></p>

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<p>"Palestine will remain from the river to the sea...and the Zionists (Israel) have no place on the land of Palestine, regardless of how many they kill of us," Meshaal said and pointed out that Haniyeh's death was a big loss to the movement&nbsp;but it would not alter their course.</p>

<p>"Our enemies don't learn the lesson, they have been killing our leaders for over 100 years, what happened? When a leader ascends (to heaven) another leader comes," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Killing of Haniyeh doesn't help truce talks: Biden</strong></h2>

<p>In the United States (US),&nbsp;President Joe Biden said Haniyeh's killing was not helpful to international efforts to secure a ceasefire in the war in Gaza.</p>

<p>"It doesn't help," President Biden told reporters on Thursday when asked if the action ruined the chances of a truce.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Thousands of mourners and supporters bid farewell to Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday in Qatar (Aug 2) following his assassination in Iran's capital Tehran.

Thousands of mourners and supporters bid farewell to Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday in Qatar (Aug 2) following his assassination in Iran's capital Tehran. Thousands of people gathered at Qatar's largest mosque, where Haniyeh's casket, draped in a Palestinian flag, was taken before leaving again for burial in Lusail, north of Doha, a report by the news agency AFP said. Haniyeh's death was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel nears its 11th month. He had played a key role in mediated talks aimed at ending the war. Also read | Hamas chief Haniyeh was killed by bomb hidden two months ago in Tehran guesthouse: Report Hamas and Iran have both accused Israel of carrying out the assassination and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it. Who attended the funeral? Haniyeh's funeral was attended by Khaled Meshaal, who is tipped to be the new Hamas leader. The funeral was also attended by other top officials of the Palestinian militant group Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Speaking at the mosque, where Haniyeh's body was laid for prayers, Meshaal said his death would only make the group more determined to continue its fight for a free Palestine. Also watch | Gravitas: Who is Khaled Meshaal, set to be the next Hamas chief? × "Palestine will remain from the river to the sea...and the Zionists (Israel) have no place on the land of Palestine, regardless of how many they kill of us," Meshaal said and pointed out that Haniyeh's death was a big loss to the movement but it would not alter their course. "Our enemies don't learn the lesson, they have been killing our leaders for over 100 years, what happened? When a leader ascends (to heaven) another leader comes," he added. Killing of Haniyeh doesn't help truce talks: Biden In the United States (US), President Joe Biden said Haniyeh's killing was not helpful to international efforts to secure a ceasefire in the war in Gaza. "It doesn't help," President Biden told reporters on Thursday when asked if the action ruined the chances of a truce. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh buried in Qatar after he was assassinated