Iranian voices call for security probe and overhaul after Haniyeh's killing

Aref (74) was appointed as Iran's senior vice president, Zarif (64) as deputy for strategic affairs, and Ghaempanah, who is in his 60s, as vice president for executive affairs.

According to the latest figures available, Iranian between the ages of 20-39 comprise 31 million people, or more than one third of the population. Also, A 2020 study also showed that those between 25 to 40 years old comprised the largest part of the population.

Last week, when the first partial list of President Pezeshkian's proposed cabinet ministers was leaked to the press, critics noted that the average age of a majority of his potential cabinet ministers was higher than 62.

In a commentary on the Etemad Online website, pro-reform commentator Abbas Abdi wrote that the Iranian society is young and its male and female members are pluralist with a diversity of attitudes while those in top posts in the government are generally old males who share a single attitude on most issues.

In the commentary headlined "A young and diverse society and old and monolithic government," Abdi wrote that most Iranian managers are conservatives. However, he noted that hardline conservatives in the previous government were generally younger than officials in the governments formed before 2021.

He further noted that women have always had a very small share of government positions in Iran and men who did not subscribe to the official ideology were almost non-existent in the government.

Abdi recalled a debate about the lack of women university chancellors in Iran, despite women making up more than half of the students and 10 percent of the faculty. Someone argued that the issue wasn't simply gender discrimination. But Abdi questioned whether all the men in those positions truly deserved their roles based on merit. He concluded that we can only address gender discrimination if we can confidently say that all of those men earned their positions fairly.

Abdi, a member of Pezeshkian’s steering committee tasked with assessing politicians' qualifications for ministerial posts, added that more than 80 percent of candidates know in advance that they are not "qualified" for these roles due to restrictive criteria. Of the remaining 20 percent, half are uninterested in serving as cabinet ministers because they realize they won't be able to fully utilize their capabilities. This leaves only 10 percent of candidates, a number that shrinks to less than 5 percent when the names are submitted to parliament for a vote of confidence.

What Abdi did not say openly is the fact that regime insiders dominate government posts and ideological as well as political loyalty severely restrict the field of potential candidates.

"This is a catastrophic way of treating the country's human resources," Abdi said, noting that this approach has its most damaging impact on Iranian youth. Women and those who hold views different from the official ideology are also affected, effectively barred from meaningful participation in the country's affairs, and often driven to leave the country.

According to the pro-hardliners Hamshahri daily, the Raisi Administration was Iran's youngest government with an average age of 43 that was at least 10 years younger than its predecessor, the Rouhani Administration. However, the Raisi government was stacked with ambitious hardliners who mostly did not have qualifications for top government positions.

Zarif had promised to keep most cabinet ministers under 50, but the names circulating in unverified reports—such as Abdolnaser Hemmati (proposed Economy Minister), Es'haq Jahangiri (proposed Oil Minister), and Hossein Alai (proposed Industry Minister)—are all in their late 60s or mid-70s.

While the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initially reported the incident as involving a "projectile from the air," new information points to a more intricate situation. The incident has triggered widespread controversy and speculation regarding the true nature of the attack and the weaknesses in Iran's security systems.

Proreform Roydad24 website has uncovered details indicating that the Tochal mountainous area, overlooking Haniyeh’s residence, was heavily secured on the day of the incident. According to the report, "On the day of the incident, the Tochal was under security protection, and all security camera footage from Tochal’s stations was seized by security personnel."

Tochal is a mountain and ski resort situated in the Alborz mountain range, near the metropolitan area of Tehran in northern Iran. The area features a 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) ridge, with its highest peak, also named Tochal, reaching an elevation of 3,963 meters (13,002 feet) above sea level. The Tochal Complex includes a gondola lift that transports visitors from Tehran to the ski resort and hotel.

Hamid, who manages a business at Tochal Station 1, reported being awakened at 5 AM by his staff, who informed him that intelligence agents had arrived and requested the store's security footage. Upon arriving at Tochal, Hamid discovered that access to the area was restricted, and everyone present was detained and interrogated until 1 PM.

Residents of Tochal reported hearing a loud noise and a roar around 2 AM on Wednesday, though no visible explosion was detected from the Tochal stations. This aligns with the IRGC’s updated statement suggesting that the projectile was fired from outside the guesthouse area, likely from the Tochal mountains. However, the exact identity of the damaged building remains unconfirmed.

Fars News, an IRGC-affiliated media outlet, initially reported that the attack was executed using a "projectile from the air." This report sparked a series of theories, including missile launches from outside Iran, pre-positioned bombs, and even drone or aircraft attacks.

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, claimed at a Tehran press conference that the assassination involved a missile.

"A missile hit the room where Haniyeh was staying, breaking the glass before impact and causing the wall to collapse," al-Hayya stated.

The IRGC’s subsequent confirmation on Saturday matched Roydad24’s findings, noting that a short-range projectile witha 7-kilogram warhead was used, and the attack came from outside the guesthouse area.

Initial official statements placed Haniyeh’s residence in northern Tehran, near Saadabad. However, IRGC-affiliated sources later pinpointed it as being within a Thar-Allah Headquarters base in northern Tehran.

Reports on Telegram channels close to the IRGC claimed that Haniyeh was secretly housed at a facility in northern Tehran, with even the building caretaker and local police unaware of his true identity.

Following the incident, images of a partially damaged building were published, reportedly within an IRGC base in Saadabad. Maxar Technologies provided satellite images showing minor differences before and after the incident, reinforcing media speculation about the building’s location.

Although Fars News denied the reports, stating Haniyeh was hit in Zafaraniyeh, social media users also shared images of a building in Saadabad, visible from the Tochal mountains.

The simplicity of the missile launch scenario might seem too straightforward, but Israel’s past sabotage and assassination operations in Iran have often relied on similar methods.

Former Iranian Intelligence Minister Ali Younesi highlighted this issue in July 2021, warning that Mossad’s infiltration posed a serious threat to Iranian officials.

At a ceremony in Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation with a resolute tone. Amid a backdrop of rising regional tensions, Netanyahu declared, “Anyone who harms our country will be held accountable. Iran and its proxies seek to surround us with a stranglehold of terror on seven fronts. Their visible aggression is insatiable, but Israel is not helpless. We are determined to stand against them on every front, in every arena, far and near. Anyone who murders our citizens, anyone who harms our country will be held accountable. He will pay a very heavy price.”

Netanyahu’s comments come in the wake of nearly ten months of conflict in Gaza and the recent assassinations of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran. The heightened hostilities have raised fears of further escalation and retaliation from Iran and its allies.

On his part, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, calling it a violation of international law. “The assassination of a guest of the Islamic Republic of Iran was an act that violated all international laws,” Pezeshkian said. “It was a grave mistake by the Zionists. The audacity will not go unanswered.”

According to media reports, Iranian officials told Arab diplomats that Tehran does not care if an attack on Israel triggers a regional war. But this can also be part of a psychological war both sides have launched.

Israel's channel 12 said that Israel’s security establishment is considering the possibility of “preventive actions or attacks” it could initiate, “including in Lebanon or perhaps in other places as necessitated.”

Siamak Javadi, an economics professor and researcher at the University of Texas, told Iran International, “Aside from its military aspect, war is a full-scale economic project. You can’t wage war with an empty pocket.”
Comparing gross domestic product, per capita national income, and inflation and unemployment rates in Iran and Israel, he added that the Islamic Republic is financially and economically incapable of engaging in a full-scale war with Israel.

Hossein Aghaei, a researcher in international relations and strategic affairs, also told Iran International, “The Islamic Republic is caught in the strategic trap or chain reaction game set by Israel.”
He added that the Iranian government finds itself in a “difficult and enigmatic” situation and has no choice but to provide a “direct and proportionate response” to Israel in order to restore its deterrent power.
Aghaei warned that if the Islamic Republic engages in “a high-risk game” and initiates a “comprehensive and multi-front” conflict against Israel, the region could be drawn into a major military confrontation.

In Israel, the prospect of retaliation has prompted increased vigilance. Citizens are preparing bomb shelters, recalling an unprecedented direct military assault by Iran in April following a suspected Israeli strike that resulted in the deaths of two Iranian generals in Syria. Despite Israel intercepting nearly all incoming drones and missiles, the country remains on high alert.

Citing an Israeli official, NBC News also reported that Israel is bracing for a potential multiday attack by Iran and its proxies in retaliation for the assassination of two senior militant leaders last week.

“They’ll just try to wear us out,” the official said, adding that Israel fears waves of missiles and drones could be fired over several days.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant sought to reassure the public of Israel’s preparedness. “We are highly prepared in terms of defense and we are ready for both a swift response or attack,” Gallant stated. “If they dare to attack us, they’ll pay a heavy price.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, also speaking at the memorial ceremony, emphasized the importance of national unity and resilience. He stressed the need for a swift agreement to return hostages held in Gaza and called for unity amidst internal divisions. “Our national resilience is being tested, and we all feel that internal tensions and polarization are growing,” Herzog said. “I call on public leaders to calm the situation, exercise restraint, refrain from crossing red lines, and protect our social fabric and solidarity.”

The international community is closely watching the situation, with the United States actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to manage the crisis. The US has signaled to Tehran that restraint could improve prospects for diplomatic engagement and warned that any significant strike on Israel would provoke a strong response. Reports suggest that the US has also urged Israel to de-escalate tensions.

The US asked European and other partner governments to convey a message to Iran not to escalate, warning any significant strike on Israel would draw a response, a report by the Wall Street Journal added, citing multiple sources.

Iran, however, remains defiant. In addition to President Pezeshkian’s remarks, Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani affirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty and security. This stance reinforces Tehran’s resolve to respond forcefully to perceived aggression.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Alma Research and Education Center forecasts a significant and coordinated Iranian attack, involving ballistic and cruise missiles and UAVs from multiple sites in western Iran. The report suggests that such an attack could involve coordination with Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah, and might feature a combined launch of various weapon systems.

“In our estimation, this attack will be a combined launch of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs from many sites in western Iran, with both the IRGC and the Iranian Army taking part. We also assess that most of the launches will be carried out from open areas near the underground sites using mobile launchers,” Alma added.

Ghassan Ashour, a Middle East analyst, told Iran International that following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil, the Islamic Republic has no choice but to respond to Israel.

Ashour added that, nevertheless, Iranian officials know that "any war with Israel is not in Iran's interest, and any war would benefit Israel."

According to the analyst, a military confrontation would pose less risk to Israel because it would not be alone in this battle, and there is a possibility of US intervention in support of Israel.

Ashour further noted that, in the event of a war, regional countries will not allow the Islamic Republic to use their airspace.

Esmaeili, known for performing without the mandatory hijab in public spaces like the metro and parks, has been taken into custody, with no information available about her whereabouts or condition. The arrest has left her family in despair as they struggle to ascertain her fate.

A source close to the situation confirmed that “Zara's family has been unable to locate her".

The Islamic Republic prohibits women from singing or dancing in public, reflecting a broader repression against women's rights. These moves, enforced since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, are rooted in conservative interpretations of Islamic law that deem the female singing voice provocative and sexually suggestive.

Despite these restrictions, many women in Iran continue to resist, using social media to share their performances. However, such acts of defiance come with risks.

Faravaz Farvardin, the founder of the Berlin-based Right to Sing Campaign, condemned the arrest of Esmaeili, noting that “Iranian authorities often fabricate charges to justify their crackdown on female singers.”

In an interview with Iran International, Farvardin emphasized that “there is no legal basis for banning female singers,” indicating the Islamic Republic's broader strategy to suppress dissent and enforce gender segregation.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating repression in Iran, particularly targeting women and artists.

Recent cases, such as the arrest of dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi and the imprisonment of Grammy Award-winning singer Shervin Hajipour, underscore the penalties faced by artists who challenge the Islamic system's strictures.

Salehi was initially arrested on September 13, 2021, following the release of his track Rat Hole. He faced arbitrary detention again on October 30, 2022, during the nationwide Women, Life, Freedom protests, accused of "corruption on earth," a charge for which he was sentenced to death in April 2024.

Despite being granted bail on November 18, 2023, Salehi was re-arrested within two weeks on new charges of "publishing falsehoods" and "propaganda against the state." These charges were related to a video he released detailing the torture he endured while in custody. He received a one-year prison sentence for the allegations.

Currently, Salehi is held at Dastgerd Prison in Esfahan, serving this sentence while awaiting the final legal resolution of the 2022 case, especially after his death sentence was overturned. However, with the new charges and the pending outcome of the 2022 case, his future remains uncertain, as he has been in prison for almost two years since his arrest in October 2022.

Hajipour, whose song "Baraye" became an anthem for the Women, Life, Freedom protests, has had his sentence upheld.

As the crisis deepens, the international community is watching with growing alarm, citizens being urged to evacuate the region.

Fears of a wider conflict have escalated following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday, just a day after an Israeli strike killed Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander from Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which like Hamas is backed by Iran.

The United States, along with several other countries such as France and Canada, is telling its citizens to leave the region, and is deploying more military might in the Middle East as preventative and defensive measures.

Jonathan Finer, White House National Security Council deputy adviser, said on Sunday, "Our goal is de-escalation, our goal is deterrence, our goal is defense of Israel."

On Saturday, US President Joe Biden expressed hope that Iran will back down from its vow to avenge the killing of Haniyeh. However, with Israel bracing for potential attacks from both Iran and Hezbollah as well as other Iran-backed militia groups, the situation remains highly volatile.

Asked by reporters whether Iran would stand down, Biden said on Saturday in response to a shouted question, "I hope so. I don't know."

The Centcom commander Michael Kurilla, who is in charge of US forces in the Middle East, has arrived in the region to assess the threat, which could come from multiple fronts and as early as Monday, according to a report by Axios. The Pentagon said on Friday it would deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the region.

The Ynet news website similarly reported a round of security meetings in Israel over the weekend to prepare for an attack that could lead to a war on what it said could be “five fronts,” without elaborating.

According to Israeli media, the US is scrambling to revive a regional coalition that earlier this year succeeded in almost entirely thwarting the first ever direct Iranian attack on Israel, while Israeli officials reportedly believe that this time around there may be damage and casualties.

In April, hundreds of missiles and kamikaze drones were launched from Iran. Tehran had telegraphed that strike in advance giving Israel, the US and their allies enough time to prepare and shoot down all but two of the missiles -- which landed near a military base but left no casualties.

A single source report even claimed on Saturday that a high-level American security delegation, brokered by Oman, has secretly traveled to Tehran to deliver a 'calming and cautionary' message aimed at preventing a potential military conflict. Kuwait’s Al-Jarida newspaper cited an unnamed source in Iran's Supreme National Security Council as revealing to them that the American delegation, arriving on a private plane from Turkey, landed at Payam-e-Khorram Airport in Karaj on Thursday and held a two-hour meeting with Iranian officials before returning to Ankara. The US State Department rejected the report on Sunday.

Additionally, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi traveled to Tehran on Sunday in a rare visit for urgent talks about regional developments with Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani. 

Safadi's visit to Iran follows continued diplomatic contacts by the United States and its partners including France, Britain, Italy, and Egypt on Saturday.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed in a phone call with Bagheri Kani that recent developments in the region were "unprecedented, very dangerous" and threatening to stability.

Haniyeh's death was one in a series of killings of senior figures of Iran’s proxy groups as the Gaza war nears its eleventh month.

Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah have all hyped the retaliation threat, but the Iranian media is also pursuing a strategic ambiguity regarding the timing but emphasizes that the forthcoming action will surpass the previous offensive in scale and impact.

Despite possibly being a strategic move, Iran's secrecy and delay in releasing official explanations about Haniyeh's assassination have sparked numerous speculations about the hit operation.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) announced on Saturday that the Hamas leader was assassinated with a "short-range projectile with a warhead of approximately 7 kilograms."

This contradicts reports by The New York Times and The Telegraph, which claimed that the attack was carried out by planting a bomb in Haniyeh's room. If true, this latter scenario could have potentially allowed Iran to limit its retaliation to a similar bombing in Israel.

The Telegraph reported that Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, hired Iranian security agents to plant explosives in three separate rooms of a building where a Hamas leader was staying.

Israel’s Channel 12 said the killing of Hamas’s Haniyeh at an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-run guesthouse in the heart of Tehran left the regime feeling “deeply penetrated” and “completely exposed” to Israeli intelligence.