Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, was staying at a veterans' facility in Tehran when an attack occurred around 02:00 local time. Some sources claim that he was killed in an airstrike.

Haniyeh, 62, was recognized as the overall leader of Hamas. While Israel has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, it has repeatedly made threats to various leaders within the resistance.

Israel has been conducting a major genocide operation in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 resulting in at least 39,400 casualties, mostly women, children and non combatants.

Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian, who took office on Tuesday. In the wake of Haniyeh's reported death, Hamas officials have condemned the attack, with Musa Abu Marzuk labeling it a "cowardly act" that "will not go unanswered," while Sami Abu Zuhri affirmed the group's commitment to continue its path.

Iran's foreign ministry has stated that Haniyeh’s martydom will strengthen the enduring ties between Tehran, Palestine, and the broader resistance movement. International reactions include condemnations from several countries, including Turkey, Russia, and Qatar, who have expressed their disapproval of the attack.

Haniyeh’s death follows Israel's claims of killing Fuad Shukr, a top military commander of Hezbollah, in a separate airstrike although this is unconfirmed by Hezbollah.