In a shocking development, Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran’s capital, Tehran, the group confirmed today. Haniyeh, who served as the political leader of Hamas, had been in Tehran for a series of high-level meetings with Iranian officials.

The details surrounding his death remain unclear, but sources within Hamas have stated that an investigation is underway. “We have lost a great leader today. His dedication to our cause was unwavering,” a Hamas spokesperson said in a brief statement.

Haniyeh, who took over as the leader of Hamas in 2017, played a crucial role in the group’s political and military strategies. His death is likely to have significant ramifications for the organization and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

Iranian authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as tensions in the region continue to rise.

The group confirmed today that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed in the targeted attack in Iran. An investigation is underway to uncover more details.

Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. The group’s statement said, “Brother, leader, mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the movement, died in a Zionist strike on his headquarters in Tehran after participating in the inauguration of the new president.” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed his death, stating that Haniyeh’s residence was “hit,” killing both him and his bodyguard.

The Israeli army has not yet responded to Haniyeh’s killing. Israel had previously vowed to eliminate Haniyeh and destroy Hamas following the October 7 attack that killed 1,195 people. Since then, Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has reportedly killed at least 39,400 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Haniyeh, elected head of the Hamas political bureau in 2017, was considered a pragmatist. He lived in exile, splitting his time between Turkey and Qatar. During the conflict, he traveled on diplomatic missions to Iran and Turkey, meeting with both presidents. Known for maintaining strong relations with various Palestinian factions, Haniyeh joined Hamas in 1987 during the first Palestinian intifada against Israeli occupation.