Hamas Leader Assassinated in Tehran Amid Rising Tensions

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced. The suspicion falls on Israel, which has vowed retribution for the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. The incident complicates U.S. efforts to mediate a cease-fire and a hostage deal in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran early Wednesday, according to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. The attack comes as tensions remain high following a deadly assault on Israel by Hamas earlier this month.

Haniyeh was in Tehran for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday. While no one has claimed responsibility for the assassination, analysts on Iranian state television have pointed fingers at Israel, which had vowed to target Hamas leaders after the group's October 7 attack that left 1,200 dead and 250 taken hostage.

This incident surfaces amidst efforts by the Biden administration to broker a temporary cease-fire and secure the release of hostages. CIA Director Bill Burns and White House Coordinator Brett McGurk are engaged in diplomatic discussions with officials from Israel, Qatar, and Egypt. The White House has not yet commented on Haniyeh's assassination.

(With inputs from agencies.)