A series of explosions targeting Hezbollah members in Lebanon, involving pagers and walkie-talkies, has resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people and injured over 2,900. The Iran-backed militant group has accused Israel of being behind the attacks and vowed revenge, while Israel has remained silent. The explosions have dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah and raise concerns about escalating tensions in the region.
Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran has launched a nationwide investigation and arrested over two dozen suspects, including senior intelligence officers and IRGC staff. The assassination, which occurred under high security during the swearing-in ceremony of President Masoud Pezeshkian, has been blamed on Israel by Iran and Hamas, who have vowed retaliation. The investigation is examining Iranian airports and seeking to identify and arrest alleged members of the Israeli Mossad assassination squad believed to be still in the country.
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran appears to be a carefully planned operation, with reports suggesting Israeli intelligence involvement and a bomb planted weeks or even months prior to his arrival. Initial plans to assassinate Haniyeh during the funeral of his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, were reportedly abandoned due to security concerns, but the bomb was ultimately detonated in his temporary residence.
A report suggests that Israel’s Mossad employed Iranian security agents to place explosives in a Tehran guesthouse where Hamas’ political head, Ismail Haniyeh, was staying. The alleged assassination attempt was initially planned for May during Haniyeh’s visit to Tehran but was ultimately thwarted due to security concerns. The report reveals that explosives were discovered in three separate rooms of the guesthouse, and IRGC agents, allegedly hired by Mossad, were captured on CCTV footage entering and exiting the building within minutes. Iranian officials expressed concern over the security breach and the potential for Mossad’s influence within the IRGC.
