Iran analyst: publicizing Haniyeh trip made his killing easier

Responding to questions about the assassination of Hamas leader in Tehran, EU external affairs spokesperson Peter Stano said, "the EU has a principled position of rejecting extrajudicial killings and of supporting the rule of law, including in international criminal justice."

He also said that ICC was seeking an arrest warrant against Ismail Haniyeh on charges of war crimes.

The EU has listed Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Stano said the EU is "closely" following the situation in the Middle East, urging "all parties" to avoid escalation.

Without directly naming the parties involved, the UAE expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the region.

The UAE's foreign ministry stated that it is "closely monitoring the rapid regional developments" and is worried about the impacts on security and stability.

The statement emphasizes that "enhancing dialogue, adhering to international laws, and respecting the sovereignty of states are the best foundations for resolving current crises."

The UAE calls for resolving disputes through diplomatic means, advocating for an approach that avoids confrontation and escalation.

US Representative Mike Lawler praised the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, stating, "Justice has been served. May all who orchestrated the heinous attack on Israel on October 7th suffer the same fate."

The assassination of Haniyeh follows a series of high-profile attacks, including the Israeli airstrike that killed top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

Hamas Spokesperson and Deputy Head Khalil al-Hayya said that Ismail Haniyeh was struck by a rocket while in his room in Tehran.

According to Israel's Channel 12, the attack was carried out using a missile launched from an adjacent building.

Al-Hayya vowed that Hamas' military branch, the Al Qassam Brigades, would hold those responsible for Haniyeh’s death accountable.

Earlier reports from Iranian state media indicated that Haniyeh was killed by an “airborne guided projectile,” though details about the weapon used remain unclear.

Al-Hayya warned that Israel would face consequences for the “heinous crime” of Haniyeh’s assassination. Israel has not acknowledged responsibility for the incident.

US Senator Marco Rubio stated that the world is a better place without Ismail Haniyeh, who led “a group of savages that deliberately targeted and raped, kidnapped and murdered innocent civilians and vowed to do it again.”

He also criticized Iran, accusing it of organizing the assassination of dissidents and former US leaders within America.

Rubio argued that, given this context, Iran “has no right to complain” about the actions taken against individuals like Haniyeh.