Reuters: Iran and allies to discuss retaliation against Israel after assassination of Hamas chief

High-level Iranian officials are scheduled to meet with representatives from Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen on August 1 to discuss potential retaliatory measures against Israel following the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Reuters has learned from five unnamed sources.

The meeting, set to take place in Tehran, will include key figures from Iran’s regional allies, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Houthi movement from Yemen, Hezbollah from Lebanon, and various Iraqi resistance groups, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

The gathering comes in the wake of heightened regional tensions, following Haniyeh's assassination on July 31 and the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in an Israeli strike on July 30.

A senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the meeting will focus on formulating a unified strategy for retaliation against Israel. "Iran and the resistance members will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the most effective response to the Zionist regime," the official said.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are expected to attend the meeting. General Mohammad Baqeri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, reiterated the resolve for retaliation, stating, "The response to this attack will certainly happen, and the Zionist regime will undoubtedly regret it."

The assassination of Haniyeh, who had been in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran's new president, has been attributed to Israel by Iran and Hamas, although Israeli officials have not claimed responsibility. The attack has sparked severe threats of retaliation and increased concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict may expand into a broader regional war.