A report states that Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a "direct" attack on Israel.

Hours after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a report is released.

A report states that Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a "direct" attack on Israel.
A report states that Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a "direct" attack on Israel.

According to a report Wednesday, Iranian forces have been instructed by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to launch a direct attack against Israel.

On Wednesday, Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran. Three Iranian officials have since confirmed the situation to the New York Times.

On Wednesday, Khamenei's English-language X account stated that the Zionist regime, which is both a criminal and a terrorist organization, killed our cherished guest in our land. Although this act has caused us great sorrow, it has paved the way for a harsh retribution.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with mic at an event
In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a meeting with Iranian officials. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

"Haniyeh, a martyr, was willing to sacrifice his honorable life in a dignified battle for many years. He was prepared for martyrdom and had sacrificed his children and loved ones on this path."

On Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, the Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force, issued a statement warning that Israel will strike anywhere necessary.

"The Israeli Air Force is always ready and prepared to defend and operate in all arenas of war, with dozens of manned and unmanned aircraft at the ready within minutes for any scenario, and we will strike anywhere to protect the citizens of the state of Israel."

IRAN-PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT-PROTEST-HANIYEH
Iranians wave Palestinian flags and hold portraits of slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during a protest denouncing his killing, at Palestine square in the capital Tehran on July 31 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)

On Wednesday, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, stated that his country is engaged in a battle "opposed to the evil axis of Iran."

Netanyahu stated that Israel is facing an existential threat from terrorist armies and missiles that Iran aims to tighten around its neck, adding that Israel has received threats from all sides following its recent strike on Beirut.

"We are ready for any situation and will remain strong and resolute against any threat," the leader stated. "Israel will pay a steep price for attacking us from any direction."

Ali Khamenei
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei attends the joint graduation ceremony of armed forces cadets at Imam Hussein Military University in Tehran, Iran on October 03, 2022. (Iranian Leader Press Office / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Planet Chronicle' Trey Yingst contributed to this report.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

by Andrea Vacchiano

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