Iran has detained dozens of individuals in connection with the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
According to the New York Times on Saturday, among those arrested are high-ranking intelligence officers, military personnel, and staff from the guest house where Haniyeh was staying at the time of his death.
The Revolutionary Guards Corps’ specialized intelligence unit is leading the investigation into the incident.
Haniyeh, who was in Iran for the inauguration of the new president, was killed on Wednesday.
While initial reports suggested he might have been targeted by an Israeli airstrike, it has been confirmed that he was assassinated by an explosive device smuggled into the guest house.
Despite international speculation, Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s death.
Iran’s drastic response is seen as a reaction to the severe embarrassment and potential threat posed by the assassination on its soil.
This incident is perceived as a significant blow to the regime, signaling that even high-profile targets in Iran are vulnerable.
Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group remarked, “The perception that Iran can neither protect its homeland nor its key allies could be fatal for the Iranian regime, because it basically signals to its foes that if they can’t topple the Islamic Republic, they can decapitate it.”
Political analyst Sasan Karimi added, “This security breach requires different policies and strategies; it may be arresting spies if there was infiltration, or retaliation if the operation was conducted from outside the borders, or a combination of both.”
The investigation has involved reviewing extensive surveillance footage from the guest house and scrutinizing every visitor to the location.
In addition to monitoring property records, the investigation has extended to Tehran’s international and domestic airports, where agents have been deployed.
Sources indicated that Iran believes Mossad operatives might still be in the country, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.
An anonymous IRGC official revealed that while he was not aware of specific arrests, security protocols for senior officials have been extensively revised in the past two days, including relocating some officials and replacing electronic equipment.
