Iranian Military Official Discusses Delayed Retaliation Against Israel Following Hamas Leader’s Assassination

Iranian Military Official Discusses Potential Retaliation Against Israel

A senior military figure from Iran indicated on Tuesday that any retaliation against Israel for the recent assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran may not occur immediately and could manifest in various forms. This statement suggests that a direct military response from Iran might be postponed for the time being.

The remarks came from General Ali Mohammad Naeini, who serves as the spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). This division of Iran’s armed forces is charged with leading any military response and ensuring the nation’s borders are secure.

“Time is on our side, and it’s possible that the wait period for the response could take a long time,” General Naeini stated during a news conference in Tehran. His comments were captured on video and broadcast by state media. “It’s possible that Iran’s response will not mirror previous operations. The quality of the response, along with the scenarios and tools we utilize, may differ significantly.”

Although General Naeini did not provide specific details regarding Iran’s potential options, his reference to “previous operations” likely pertains to the Iranian missile and drone strikes launched against Israel in April. That particular attack was a direct response to an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian embassy compound in Damascus, Syria, which resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials.

General Naeini’s statements imply that the regional conflict, which many fear could escalate should Iran decide to retaliate against Israel once more, might be temporarily averted. This cautious approach comes in the wake of the late July assassination of the Hamas leader on Iranian soil—an act for which Israel has not publicly accepted responsibility. Since that incident, international leaders have expressed growing concern, especially as Iranian officials have vowed to seek retribution.

To further complicate the situation, Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon are also threatening to retaliate against Israel. Their aggression is tied to the killing of one of their top commanders in Beirut, which occurred shortly before the assassination in Tehran.