Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman Alimohammad Naini said on Tuesday that Iran may delay its retaliation for the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. The response may be delayed, he said, but Israel should prepare for a “calculated and precise response.”
In his statement, Naini noted that Iran is in no hurry to make a decision, making it clear that retaliation may come after a long time. Iran, he said, is carefully weighing all its options.
“The enemy must be prepared for a precise and calibrated response,” Naini stressed, according to Iranian state media.
The liquidation of Haniya has seriously aggravated the situation in the Middle East. Both Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of involvement in the assassination, although Jerusalem has neither confirmed nor denied its role in the incident. However, despite the tension, Iran is demonstrating its willingness to engage in dialogue. Naini said that Tehran supports any initiative that could lead to an end to the war in the Gaza Strip, but noted that he doubts the sincerity of the US actions, accusing them of supporting the war.
IRGC Deputy Commander Brigadier General Ali Fadavi also stressed that Iran will punish Israel for killing Haniyeh at a “convenient time and place.” According to him, Israel’s actions on Iranian soil will not go unanswered.
At the same time, sources familiar with the situation said that Iran may postpone its plans to attack Israel. This is due to the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip, which are actively supported by the mediators. Iran and Hezbollah have reportedly reduced the combat readiness of their missile units pending the outcome of these negotiations.
The United States also warned Iran against attacking Israel. A senior US official said any action by Iran could have “catastrophic consequences” and derail peace efforts in the Gaza Strip. The US called on Iran to refrain from military action to prevent an escalation of the conflict and a deterioration of the situation in the region.
Earlier, Kursor wrote that Iran announced plans to file a lawsuit against Israel.
