Iran is ready to carry out Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's order that Israel be "harshly punished" for the assassination of the leader of "Hamas" in Tehran. This was stated by a deputy commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, according to local intelligence agencies cited by Reuters and BTA.
"The supreme leader's orders regarding severe punishment for Israel and revenge for the blood of martyr Ismail Haniya are clear and unambiguous and will be carried out in the best possible way,'' Ali Fadavi was quoted as saying by Iranian media.
Asked by reporters for comment, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. stands ready to defend Israel, adding that Washington has significant resources in the region that could be called upon. for this purpose.
"When we hear this kind of rhetoric, we have to take it seriously, and we do," he said.