Iran warns Israel will be 'harshly punished' over Ismail Haniyeh's killing

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mourned the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, calling him "brave" for "many years in the field of honorable struggle," Iran's Tasnim news reported on Wednesday morning.

In his announcement to the nation, Khamenei expressed sadness over the death of Haniyeh while he was their "dear guest in [their] house."

He further commended Hanyieh's work, stating he "took his precious life for many years in the field of honorable struggle and was ready for martyrdom, and had sacrificed his children and people in this way."

Iran's supreme leader emphasized that while Haniyeh "was not afraid of becoming a martyr," they still "consider it our duty to seek his blood in this bitter and difficult incident," stating that in targeting Haniyeh while he was in Iran, "The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime" has "prepared a harsh punishment for itself."

Khamenei mourns Haniyeh

Khamenei finished his statement by offering his "condolences to the Islamic people, to the resistance front, to the brave and proud nation of Palestine, and especially to the family and survivors of Martyr Haniyeh and one of his companions who was martyred with him, and I pray for their elevation from God Almighty."

The funeral for Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran on Wednesday morning, is expected to begin on Thursday in Tehran, Israeli media reported on Wednesday. Following the funeral, Haniyeh's body will be moved to Doha for final burial.