Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations blamed the United States for the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, claiming that it could not have happened without US authorization and intelligence support.
“The responsibility of the United States as their strategic ally, and main supporters of the Israeli regime in the region cannot be overlooked in this horrific crime,” said Saeed Iravani, permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UN, in a speech at the Security Council on Wednesday.
Hamas said Haniyeh was killed by Israel, and Iran has vowed to avenge his death. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied being behind Haniyeh’s assassination.
“Israel was also pursuing [a] political goal with this act, aiming to disrupt the first day of the new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has prioritized strengthening peace and stability in the region, and enhancing cooperation and constructive engagement with international community,” Iravani added.
Earlier today, US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood said that “the United States was not aware of or involved in the apparent death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh,” adding that the US has “no independent confirmation as to Hamas’s claims regarding his death.”