The Guardian reports that Iran is considering targeting individuals it believes are responsible for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran, rather than launching a direct attack on Israel.
Haniyeh was killed on July 31, 2024, in a Tehran building during his visit for the swearing-in ceremony of new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Reports following Haniyeh's death claim that Mossad agents enlisted operatives from within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to plant explosives in the room where the Hamas chief was staying.
Iran has blamed Israel for the assassination, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
Tehran is reportedly weighing its options while facing intense diplomatic pressure to avoid escalating regional tensions.
During a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation called by Iran to discuss the assassination, Pakistan's foreign minister was said to have voiced opposition to an Iranian attack on Israel. The minister reportedly stated that while Haniyeh's death must be addressed, Iran "must not fulfill Netanyahu's design for a wider war."
* The Times of Israel contributed to this report.