Iran Hints at Prolonged Wait for Retaliation Against Israel

Iran's Revolutionary Guards spokesperson Alimohammad Naini stated that there might be a lengthy delay in Iran's retaliation against Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Iran, along with Hamas, has accused Israel of the strike. The U.S. has urged allies to de-escalate regional tensions.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards spokesperson, Alimohammad Naini, announced on Tuesday that there might be an extended delay before Iran retaliates against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The Middle East has been on high alert since Haniyeh's killing in Tehran on July 31, an action which Israel has neither confirmed nor denied.

Naini emphasized that 'the enemy' should brace for a calculated and precise response. He mentioned that Iranian leaders are carefully considering the circumstances, and any forthcoming response may differ from previous actions, as reported by Iranian state media.

Both Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of orchestrating the strike that killed Haniyeh just hours after he attended the inauguration of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the region to advocate for a Gaza ceasefire, calling on allies to urge Iran to de-escalate tensions. Despite this, Naini reiterated Iran's skepticism towards U.S. efforts, deeming them insincere and viewing the U.S. as complicit in the Gaza conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)