Iran vows retaliation against Israel after Hamas leader"s killing

Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in late July, Iran has issued threats of a significant retaliatory attack against Israel, which it blames for the killing. The Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, stated that the prospect of Iran's response is causing fear in Israel. The situation is further complicated by Iran's ongoing nuclear program, which has been described as running unchecked for over three years, raising international concerns about its potential military applications. The United States and other Middle Eastern nations have cautioned Iran against launching attacks on Israel, fearing that such actions could escalate into a broader regional conflict. Security experts are particularly wary of Iran's potential use of Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group it has supported for decades, to carry out retaliatory strikes. This has led to discussions within Israel about preemptive military actions against Hezbollah's positions in Lebanon, which could result in high casualty rates. Iran has not detailed its plans for retaliation, but its reported supply of ballistic missiles to Hezbollah has heightened tensions. Meanwhile, the United Nations nuclear watchdog has expressed concerns about Iran's nuclear activities, noting a lack of oversight and continuity in monitoring its nuclear program. This situation has prompted calls for Iran to engage constructively with international bodies to address these issues. The European Union has also accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict, indicating that if confirmed, this would lead to significant sanctions against Iran. The geopolitical landscape remains tense as various nations monitor Iran's actions closely.