In the wake of the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Iran initially vowed a devastating response. However, Iranian authorities this week signaled that the promised retaliation against Israel has been postponed.
According to the Washington Post, the strike is intended as a response to the alleged assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, for which Iran holds Israel responsible.
In the early weeks following the attack, Tehran made statements about impending severe retaliation. However, a statement from Iran’s mission to the UN now indicates that the response will be «carefully calculated,» aiming to avoid disrupting any potential ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that Iran is prepared to wait, emphasizing that «the waiting period may be prolonged.»
These statements are partly influenced by the demonstration of U.S. military power in the region, which acts as a deterrent for Iran. Additionally, the situation is affected by the «moderate camp» led by newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, who seeks cooperation with the West rather than confrontation.
