Contradicting reports about planted bomb, Iran says short-range projectile killed Haniyeh

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say a short-range projectile was behind the killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh state TV reports, contradicting several reports that have alleged that the assassination was done via an explosive device planted in the building beforehand.

The televised statement, which reiterates a call for retaliation, says a rocket with a seven-kilogram (about 15-pound) warhead was used to target the residence of Haniyeh in the capital Tehran on Wednesday, adding it caused heavy devastation. It doesn’t share details of the residence’s location.

The statement also accuses the United States of supporting the attack, which Iran blames on Israel.

Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration of newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

“The action was designed and carried out by the Zionist regime and supported by the US,” says the Guard’s statement. It adds that “the warmongering and terrorist Zionist regime will receive harsh punishment in the suitable time, place and capacity.”