Tehran, Iran – Iran has been on edge since the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. The killing, believed to have been carried out with a projectile, has put Iran in a position to retaliate against Israel’s escalating attacks on Lebanon.

Is Iran’s timeline changing?

Iran’s leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have promised a strong response to Israel’s actions. There is speculation that Iran may launch an independent retaliatory attack to display the effectiveness of its weapons. However, any response will be within the framework of international law, avoiding civilian casualties unlike Israel’s attacks on non-military targets.

‘Maintaining the initiative’

While Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian is open to talks with the West, there is consensus among Iranian leaders regarding the need for a strong response to Israel’s aggression. Iran aims to maintain the initiative in any conflict, striking a balance between predictability and surprise in its actions.