Iran, Tehran: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Iran early Wednesday morning, an act Hamas denounced as a "severe escalation" destined to fail. Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed his death and launched an investigation. Haniyeh had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, just hours prior.

Israeli authorities and the White House have yet to comment. The assassination follows Israel's claim of killing a Hezbollah commander linked to an attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, complicating prospects for a Gaza ceasefire.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri called the assassination a grave attempt to undermine Hamas but vowed the organization would persevere. Haniyeh, usually based in Qatar, has been a key figure in Hamas' diplomacy and negotiations since their conflict with Israel escalated on October 7. He had lost three sons to an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas condemned the killing as a "cowardly act" and called for Palestinian unity against Israel, urging resilience and solidarity among Palestinians.