Iran raises red flag of revenge after Ismail Haniyeh's assassination

Iran has openly declared its intention to retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in a dawn airstrike in Tehran.

The Iranian government has raised a red flag on the dome of the Jamkaran Mosque in Qom, signaling a stark warning that a significant retaliation is imminent.

The red flag, symbolizing revenge, was previously hoisted atop the Jamkaran Mosque on January 3, 2020, following the death of Qasem Soleimani, and again on January 5, 2024, after the Kerman bombing.

Based on the tone of various official statements, particularly from the theocratic leader and Supreme Leader Imam Khamenei, a military response seems certain.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed to exact revenge, stating that Israel has "prepared its own severe punishment" by killing Haniyeh, whom he referred to as a "dear guest" on Iranian soil.

The assassination has been widely condemned by countries around the world, including Russia, which described the act as "dangerous" and "provocative."