In the aftermath of the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, the Middle East finds itself on the brink of a broader conflict. Iran has accused Israel of carrying out the strike, despite no official claim from Israel regarding the operation. In retaliation, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a direct strike on Israel, escalating the already volatile situation.

The New York Times, citing three Iranian officials, reported that Khamenei issued the order during an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday morning. This decision followed Iran’s announcement of Haniyeh’s death, which has further strained relations between the two adversaries.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted Israel’s stance on self-defense. “We will exert a cost from anybody who attacks us from any arena,” he stated, emphasizing Israel’s readiness to respond to any aggression.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened on Wednesday to address the escalating tensions. The council called for calm in the region amidst growing fears of a wider war. Both Iran and Israel appealed to the UNSC, each urging the council to condemn the other for recent deadly attacks.

Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani addressed the council, urging immediate action against Israel. “The Security Council should take immediate steps to hold Israel accountable for this act of aggression,” Iravani said. He suggested considering sanctions and other measures to prevent further violations by Israel.

Conversely, Israel did not comment on Haniyeh’s assassination but acknowledged responsibility for an airstrike in Beirut that killed senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. Israeli Deputy Ambassador Jonathan Miller defended the action before the council, stating, “This operation sends a clear message: We will defend ourselves and respond with great force against those who harm us.” Miller also called for new sanctions against Iran, accusing it of funding and arming both Hamas and Hezbollah.

As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, fearing that this latest round of violence could spiral into a broader conflict, destabilizing the already fragile Middle East region. The UNSC’s call for calm underscores the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further bloodshed.