Russia has begun delivering modern air defense systems and radars to Iran in response to the suspected Israeli assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, according to a report by the New York Times on Monday, citing anonymous sources.
Earlier reports from Iranian media indicated that Tehran had requested these air defense systems. Two Iranian officials confirmed the request to the New York Times, following a visit to Tehran by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Monday.
During Shoigu’s visit, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned what he described as Israel’s “criminal acts” against the “oppressed and defenseless people of Gaza” and Haniyeh’s killing the previous Wednesday.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking to expand the scope of war and crisis in the region,” Pezeshkian stated, according to Iranian state media. “However, this regime will definitely face a response for its crimes and arrogance.”
Moscow also condemned the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, who served as the political leader of Hamas.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed “harsh punishment” for Israel, declaring: “We consider it our duty to seek revenge for his blood, as he was martyred in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Amid these developments, Israel was on high alert Tuesday, with growing concerns about a potential escalation of conflict across the Middle East.
