The unforeseen assassination of the Hamas political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran in the early hours of Tuesday, July 30th, 2024, has escalated a regional conflict in West Asia. The Hamas Leader was attacked by a predawn airstrike shortly after he attended the inauguration of Irans new President, Masoud Pezeshkian.

This assassination not only shocked the region but also landed the entire region into political turmoil. Both Tehran and Hamas condemned Israel for the assassination and warned of major repercussions. However, Israel neither confirmed and nor denied the responsibility for Haniyehs death. 

Reportedly, this assassination came amid the ongoing tension between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon- after a rocket attack killed 12 children of Majdal Shams, Northern Israel.  

However, this tragedy is likely to hike up attacks against Israel through a coalition of Iranian-backed groups known as the Axis of Resistance.  

Hezbollah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and the Houthis are among some of the major groups in the alliance.  

What is the Axis of Resistance? 

The Axis of Resistance is an Iranian-led political and military coalition in the West Asia, Iraq which comprised some major groups and organizations with similar goals and interests.  

Notably, the members of the Axis of Resistance include Islamic Resistance in Iraq, Syrian Government, Hezbollah (Lebanese militant group), and Hamas (A Palestinian militant group) and other Palestinian groups. 

Axis of Resistance against Israel 

Following the assassination, the members of alliance have vowed repercussion against Israel. Iran has also declared that it wont let this attack go unpunished. It may escalate attacks to Israel through forming its allies. 

If theres a full-on war between the two – Iran and Israel, apart from the human lives lost, the global economy will get a big shock. 

Irans Supreme leader to impose direct attack on Israel 

In response to the assassination, the Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has announced a direct attack against Israel on Wednesday. He ordered to strike Israel during an emergency meeting of Irans Supreme National Security council, which took place earlier on Wednesday, shortly after the Haniyehs death was announced.  

Khamenei has ordered the militants and the army leaders to develop extensive strategies for both offensive and defensive actions in the case the conflict further escalates, and Iran is attacked by Israel or the United States. 

As per the officials, the options are being considered for a coordinated and major repercussion and attack from Iran with allied forces, such as Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and others to maximize their impact of retaliation.

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