Iranian president issues statement on Haniyeh’s killing in Tehran

The newly sworn in Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a statement saying Tehran will defend its territorial integrity following an Israeli strike that killed the Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Here’s the statement released by the state media:

“Today, dear Iran is mourning its sharer of sorrows and joys, the constant and proud companion of the path of resistance, the brave leader of the Palestinian resistance, the martyr of al-Quds, Haj Ismail Haniyeh. Yesterday I raised his victorious hand and today I have to bury him on my shoulders.

"Martyrdom is the art of men of God. The bond between the two proud nations of Iran and Palestine will be stronger than before, and the path of resistance and defence of the oppressed will be followed stronger than ever.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, honour, dignity and pride, and make the terrorist occupiers regret their cowardly action."