Israel’s Secret Operations Inside Iran to Avert Retaliation for Hamas Leader’s Assassination

Iran has accused Israel of engaging in covert operations within its borders, alleging that Israel is attempting to undermine security in the southeast of the country and prevent Iran from retaliating for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’ political bureau. An Iranian news agency, Fars, quoted an unnamed source stating that Israel has been in contact with terrorist groups in southeastern Iran, aiming to destabilize the region. The source further claimed that Israel is undertaking security measures inside Iran to weaken or completely deter a retaliatory response to the killing of Haniyeh, which occurred in the Iranian capital Tehran. Iranian officials have vowed a ‘unprecedented’ response to the assassination, amidst international efforts to prevent an escalation that could lead to regional conflict.