CNN
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Iran has claimed that the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this week was carried out by a “short-range projectile” and a “extreme explosion” exterior a visitor home the place he was staying.
This contradicts info informed to CNN on Thursday, after a supply acquainted with the matter stated that Haniyeh was killed by an explosive system that had been covertly hidden contained in the visitor home.
The demise of the Hamas chief additional heightened tensions at an already unstable time, elevating fears that Israel’s battle with Hamas and its allies might develop right into a multi-front, fully-fledged battle within the Center East.
The Iranian authorities and Hamas say that Israel carried out the assassination. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
On Saturday, Iran warned that “blood vengeance” for the killing was “sure.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed in a press release that the short-range projectile that reportedly killed Haniyeh had a warhead of about seven kilograms, primarily based on “investigations and analysis performed.”
CNN’s supply, who had been briefed on the operation, stated {that a} bomb was hid about two months in the past within the visitor home the place Haniyeh was identified to remain in Tehran, and detonated remotely as soon as he was inside his room there.
US officers had been briefed on the operation by Israeli officers solely after the assassination, the supply stated.
“This motion was deliberate and executed by the Zionist regime with the help of the legal American authorities,” the IRGC alleged. Iran calls Israel the Zionist regime.
Israel “will decisively obtain the response to this crime,” which is a “extreme punishment” that may come at “an acceptable time, place, and method,” the IRGC stated.
The chief spokesperson for the Israel Protection Forces (IDF), Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, stated Thursday that Israel is on “excessive alert” for each defensive and offensive army motion.
“IDF forces are deployed within the air, at sea and on the bottom, and are ready for all situations, particularly for offensive plans inside the fast timeframe,” Hagari stated.
CNN has sought remark from the Iranian authorities.
