Iran has detained over two dozen individuals, including high-ranking intelligence officers, military officials, and personnel from a military-run guesthouse in Tehran, following a major security breach that led to the assassination of a prominent Hamas leader. The arrests came after Ismail Haniyeh, who headed Hamas’s political office in Qatar, was killed in an explosion early Wednesday. Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new president and was staying at the guesthouse in northern Tehran. This assassination has exposed a serious security lapse, occurring in a heavily protected facility shortly after the new president’s swearing-in.
Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group remarked that this assassination could damage Iran’s image of security, possibly signaling vulnerability to adversaries. Officials believe the bomb that killed Haniyeh may have been planted in his room up to two months before his arrival. Accusations from Iranian and Hamas officials, as well as several U.S. officials, point to Israel as the perpetrator, although Israel has not claimed responsibility.
The Revolutionary Guards Corps’ intelligence unit is leading the investigation to identify the assassins. The Guards have not released details about the arrests or the probe but have promised severe retaliation, a stance supported by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The assassination not only represents a security failure but also a blow to Iran’s prestige and raises concerns about potential Mossad infiltration.
The breach has heightened security concerns, especially following Haniyeh’s recent meeting with Khamenei. During Haniyeh’s funeral, Khamenei had unusually tight security. This event underscores the ongoing covert conflict between Iran and Israel, marked by Israel’s assassinations of Iranian scientists and sabotage operations. Despite Iran’s vows to find and punish the perpetrators, success has been limited.
In response to Haniyeh’s assassination, Iranian security agents conducted a thorough search of the guesthouse, quarantined staff, and seized electronic devices. Senior military and intelligence officials involved in capital security were also arrested. The investigation includes examining surveillance footage and flight lists from Tehran’s airports, with ongoing suspicions about the presence of Mossad operatives in the country.
Revolutionary Guards sources revealed that security protocols have been overhauled, including changes to the security details and electronic equipment of senior officials. Former President Hassan Rouhani condemned the assassination as an attempt to destabilize Iran at the start of a new government, emphasizing the need for coordinated security efforts.
