According to Reuters, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reported the death of top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Haniyeh was allegedly killed by a "short-range projectile" with a 7 kg warhead, fired from outside his residence in Tehran. The IRGC has accused Israel, with support from the US government, of carrying out the attack.

The IRGC's statement detailed that the attack involved a projectile that caused a powerful explosion near the guest house where Haniyeh was staying. Initially, there were reports suggesting that an explosive device had been hidden inside the residence.

The Revolutionary Guards have vowed severe retaliation for Haniyeh's assassination, warning of a response at a time and place of their choosing. This incident has heightened fears of escalating regional conflict, particularly given the ongoing war in Gaza.

"The blood of martyr Ismail Haniyeh will be avenged, and the adventurous and terrorist Zionist regime will receive a harsh punishment," the IRGC stated.

Haniyeh, who had been leading Hamas's political activities from exile in Qatar, was killed after his residence in Tehran was targeted at 2 am on July 31. The assassination occurred just hours after Haniyeh attended the inauguration of Iran's newly elected President, Masoud Pezeshkian. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the incident.

In response, the United States and Israel are bracing for possible retaliatory attacks from Iran and its allies. Reports suggest that Israel is expecting a broad missile assault, while the United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional warships, fighter jets, and missile defense-capable vessels.