Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran attack

The statement did not provide details on how Haniyeh was killed. State TV reported his death early Wednesday.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard were killed in an attack on his Tehran residence, confirmed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The incident followed Haniyeh's attendance at Iran's new president's inauguration and his meeting with Iran's Supreme Leader on Tuesday.

According to a statement on the IRGC's Sepah news website, "The residence of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political office of Hamas Islamic Resistance, was hit in Tehran, and as a result of this incident, he and one of his bodyguards were martyred."

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards confirmed the strike but did not provide details on the circumstances. The attack's timing is critical, coinciding with ongoing U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Hamas and Israel. The suspicion immediately fell on Israel, which has targeted Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders in retaliation for the group's recent attack on Israel.

Haniyeh’s family has also suffered significant losses due to Israeli airstrikes in recent months, including the deaths of his sons and grandchildren in Gaza. This assassination adds another layer to the complex and volatile situation in the region.

(Inputs from agencies)