Iran has no intention to escalate the conflict in the Middle East, says Vice President
Stockholm, July 31 (Hibya) - Iran has no intention of escalating the conflict in the Middle East, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday; First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
These comments are in stark contrast to the words of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday.
Khamenei said that avenging Haniyeh's assassination was “Tehran's duty” because it took place in the Iranian capital and that Israel was preparing the ground for a “harsh punishment” for itself.
Israel has yet to comment on the attack, which took place hours after Haniyeh attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's new president.
On the other hand, according to regional media reports, Hamas said on Wednesday that a funeral ceremony for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh will be held in Tehran on Thursday, after which his body will be transferred to the Qatari capital Doha for prayers and burial.
Albania News Agency