Iran Promises Response to Killing of Hamas Leader

Iran's acting foreign minister has announced that the country will respond to the recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh at an "appropriate" time, following a day of heightened diplomatic activity in the Middle East. The United States has urged members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to advise Iran against actions that could escalate the ongoing conflict. While Iran and its allies have attributed blame to Israel for Haniyeh's death, Israel has yet to comment on the incident. The OIC convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the request of Iranian and Palestinian officials, where OIC Chair Mamadou Tangara warned that Haniyeh's killing could lead to a broader regional conflict. He emphasized that the incident would not suppress the Palestinian cause but rather intensify it. Saudi Arabia's deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji condemned the act as a "blatant violation" of Iran's sovereignty, reflecting the growing concern among regional powers. In response to the escalating situation, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed hope that all parties with ties to Iran would discourage any moves that could heighten tensions. He noted ongoing diplomatic efforts, including discussions between US President Joe Biden and leaders from Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt, aimed at promoting stability in the region. French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, cautioning Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that any escalation from Iran would have lasting negative effects on regional stability, underscoring the urgency of diplomatic engagement in the face of rising tensions.