Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that the United States was not involved in or aware of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which has escalated tensions in the Middle East. Haniyeh was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike while attending the inauguration of Iran's new president, an act condemned by Hamas as a 'treacherous Zionist raid.' Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed to retaliate against Israel, pledging harsh punishment for the assassination. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also condemned the act, calling it a dangerous development and urging Palestinian unity. Meanwhile, Israeli officials defended the action as necessary for global security, asserting their commitment to combating threats. The incident raises questions about the future of ceasefire efforts amidst ongoing conflict in the region.