Israel’s top intelligence agency, Mossad, is alleged to have recruited Iranian security agents to plant explosives at a guesthouse where Ismail Haniyeh was staying. Haniyeh, who led Hamas’s political office in Qatar, was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new president. The assassination, which happened shortly after the president’s swearing-in, is viewed as a major intelligence and security blunder for Iran.
Regime Vulnerability: Expert Analysis on Security Failures and
Ali Vaez, the Iran director for the International Crisis Group, told The New York Times that Iran’s failure to protect its territory and key allies could be devastating for the regime. It suggests to Iran’s enemies that if they can’t overthrow the Islamic Republic, they might still be able to eliminate its leadership. Following the assassination, Iranian security forces conducted thorough searches of the guesthouse, detaining staff, seizing electronic devices, and scrutinizing surveillance footage and guest lists. Senior military and intelligence officials responsible for Tehran’s security were also questioned, with several placed under arrest for further investigation. The guesthouse, managed by the IRGC, had housed Haniyeh in a room he frequently used during his visits to Tehran.
Ongoing Investigation: IRGC’s Efforts and International Accusations
The IRGC’s specialized intelligence unit for espionage is leading the investigation and is actively searching for suspects to uncover the network behind the assassination. Both Iranian and Hamas officials have blamed Israel for the attack, a position supported by several U.S. officials. While Israel has not claimed responsibility, it continues its focus on weakening Hamas’s military capabilities.
Abandoned Plot: Initial Assassination Plan and Execution
According to The Telegraph, Israel initially intended to assassinate Haniyeh in May during his visit to Tehran for the funeral of former President Ebrahim Raisi. However, the plan was scrapped due to the large crowds, which increased the risk of failure. Two Iranian officials who spoke with The Telegraph revealed that Mossad agents planted explosive devices in three different rooms of the IRGC guesthouse in northern Tehran.
Mossad’s Methods: Targeted Operations and Historical Context
IRGC officials have confirmed the assassination and now suspect that Mossad used agents from the Ansar-al-Mahdi protection unit, which guards high-ranking officials domestically and abroad. Israel has previously targeted Iranian nuclear scientists and military leaders, including the high-profile killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in 2020, using sophisticated technology and precise methods.
Contradictions and Claims: Iranian Intelligence and Security Failures
Days before Haniyeh’s assassination, Iran’s Minister of Intelligence, Seyed Esmaeil Khatib, claimed success in dismantling a Mossad infiltrator network. However, the killing of Haniyeh contradicted these claims and exposed significant security weaknesses
