Iran: U.S. is responsible for Haniyeh's assassination

Iran's Foreign Ministry has accused the United States of being responsible for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, despite U.S. denials of involvement.

Iran's Foreign Ministry stated today (Wednesday), "We emphasize the U.S. responsibility for the murder of Hamas's political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh." The ministry asserts that American responsibility stems from the U.S. being "considered a partner of the State of Israel."

This accusation comes after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken explicitly denied U.S. involvement. In an interview with a news channel in Singapore, Blinken said, "This is not something we were aware of or involved in. The death of Hamas leader Haniyeh is something we were not aware of."

Iran further warned of potential consequences, stating, "His fall in Tehran will strengthen and deepen the unshakeable connection between Tehran, Palestine, and the resistance. His blood was not spilled in vain."

The assassination's impact on ongoing hostage negotiations remains unclear. Blinken emphasized, "A ceasefire and release of hostages is crucial – the best way to calm tensions is a ceasefire."

This development adds to the growing tensions in the region, with potential implications for U.S.-Iran relations and the broader Middle East peace process.