In response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran has detained over twenty people, including senior intelligence and military officials, as well as staff from a military-run guesthouse where Haniyeh was staying. Haniyeh, who was the head of Hamas's political office in Qatar, was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran's new president. The killing, which took place shortly after the president's swearing-in, represents a significant intelligence and security lapse for Iran. 

Ali Vaez, Iran director for the International Crisis Group, told the New York Times that this event could be disastrous for the Iranian regime. It suggests that Iran might not be capable of protecting itself or its key allies, potentially signaling to its adversaries that if they can't overthrow the Islamic Republic, they can still dismantle it by targeting its leadership. 

Iranian security forces conducted extensive searches at the guesthouse compound, detaining staff, seizing electronic devices, and examining surveillance footage and guest lists. Senior military and intelligence officials responsible for the security of Tehran were interrogated, with some arrested pending further investigation. The compound, overseen by the IRGC, had housed Haniyeh in a room he regularly used during his visits to Tehran. 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has taken charge of the investigation into the assassination, with its specialised intelligence unit focusing on identifying and apprehending those responsible. Both Iranian and Hamas officials have blamed Israel for orchestrating the attack, a view also supported by several U.S. officials. However, Israel has not confirmed its involvement, continuing its policy of targeting Hamas’s military capabilities. 

According to The Telegraph, Israel originally planned to assassinate Haniyeh in May during his visit to Tehran for former President Ebrahim Raisi's funeral. The operation was called off due to large crowds, which created significant risks. Two agents under Mossad’s direction planted explosive devices in three rooms of the IRGC guesthouse in northern Tehran. 

The IRGC has confirmed the assassination and believes that Mossad used agents from the Ansar-al-Mahdi protection unit, which is tasked with protecting high-ranking officials both domestically and internationally. 

Israel has a history of targeting Iranian nuclear scientists and military commanders, including the notable assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in 2020. These operations are known for their advanced technology and meticulous execution. 

Just days before Haniyeh's assassination, Iran’s Minister of Intelligence, Seyed Esmaeil Khatib, announced the successful dismantling of a Mossad infiltrator network. However, the assassination of Haniyeh contradicts these claims, highlighting a significant security lapse despite the earlier assurances. 

Image Source: RFI