According to the IRGC, Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas leader, was killed by a "short-range projectile" with a 7 kg warhead fired from outside his Tehran residence. The IRGC has accused Israel of carrying out the attack with support from the "criminal" US government. Their statement detailed that the projectile caused a powerful explosion and was launched from outside the vicinity of Haniyeh’s residence. 

Earlier reports indicated that Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran by an explosive device concealed within the guest house where he was staying. In response, the Revolutionary Guards have warned that Iran’s retaliation will be "severe" and executed at a "suitable time, place, and manner." This threat has raised concerns about a potential escalation in the already tense Middle Eastern region, which is currently embroiled in the Gaza conflict. The IRGC further declared, "The blood of martyr Ismail Haniyeh will be avenged, and the adventurous and terrorist Zionist regime will face harsh punishment." 

Ismail Haniyeh, who led Hamas's political operations from exile in Qatar, was killed when his residence in Tehran was targeted at 2 a.m. on July 31. This occurred just hours after he attended the inauguration of Iran's newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian. Israel has not confirmed or denied its involvement in the attack. 

In response to the recent developments, the United States and Israel are bracing for potential retaliatory actions from Iran and its allies. A senior Israeli official has indicated that the intelligence community anticipates a broad missile attack on Israel. In preparation, the United States has deployed additional warships and fighter jets to the Middle East. The Pentagon has also arranged for extra ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers, according to AP. 

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