Blame

Iranian foreign ministry says US bears responsibility for Haniyeh assassination, citing support of Israel

From CNN's Niamh Kennedy

Tehran has leveled blame against Washington for the killing of Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh, criticizing the US as a staunch ally of Israel.

Iran’s foreign ministry pointedly condemned the White House “as a supporter and accomplice of the Zionist regime in the continuation of the occupation and genocide of the Palestinians, in committing this heinous act of terrorism.”

Iran has a right to respond to what it called an “aggressive action” against “sovereignty,” the ministry said on Telegram, calling on international actors that support the rights of the Palestinian people to condemn the assassination.

US-Israel relations: The US has remained a key ally of Israel since it launched its offensive in Gaza after the Hamas-led October 7 attacks. More recently, Washington voiced concern over the colossal civilian toll wrought by Israel’s interminable bombing campaign in the Palestinian strip — while continuing to dole out billions of dollars worth of military aid.

Responding to Haniyeh’s killing in Iran on Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US was “not aware of or involved.” Israel has not commented on the strike, but previously vowed to eliminate Hamas in the wake of October 7.