Thousands in Tehran Mourn Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh; Iran Vows Revenge
Tehran, Iran – Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, thousands gathered in Tehran to mourn his death and join his funeral procession. Haniyeh and his bodyguard were killed in a strike in Iran that has been attributed to Israel. As his body was marched through the capital, flags of Palestine, Hezbollah, and Hamas fluttered in the wind, and posters of Haniyeh were distributed. The funeral was marked by calls for revenge and remembrance of other fallen leaders, including Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
Iran has promised a “harsh” response to the killing of their “guest” Haniyeh. The chief of staff of Iranian armed forces has suggested a coordinated effort with the “axis of resistance” in the region. The funeral procession was attended by mourners who expressed the need for a strong response against Israel. A red flag was raised in Qom, and the iconic Milad Tower in Tehran was lit up in red overnight to symbolize the promise of blood.
The assassination of Haniyeh comes amid rising tensions in the region, with fears of an escalation to all-out war. Iran is considering its response, while the United States has urged against striking Israel. Markets in Tehran initially reacted with concern, with the stock market falling and the national currency slipping. However, analysts believe that the markets may stabilize unless a wider conflict ensues. Despite the uncertainty, many Iranians hope for a resolution to avoid further escalation.
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