Mossad planted a bomb in the room two months ago, Inside story of Hamas chief Haniyeh's death

On the night of July 31, 2024, a powerful explosion rocked one of the most secure compounds in northern Tehran. Inside the heavily guarded Nishat Compound, Hamas' political chief and former Gaza Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in what initially appeared to be an airstrike. The compound, safeguarded by Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was considered impenetrable. And yet, Haniyeh, one of the world’s most wanted men, died in a blast that left no visible signs of an external attack.

The assassination of Haniyeh wasn’t just another strike in the shadowy war between Israel and its adversaries—it was a masterstroke of espionage, technology, and precision planning. As Iran scrambled to investigate, the truth began to emerge: this was not a missile, drone, or airstrike. It was Mossad, Israel's legendary intelligence agency, that had carried out one of its most daring and complex operations, planting a remote-controlled bomb in the safest room in Tehran.

This is the story of how Mossad meticulously planned and executed the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a man central to Hamas' military and political strategies, in the heart of enemy territory.

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A Decade of Surveillance: Targeting Haniyeh

For years, Mossad had Haniyeh in its crosshairs. As the leader of Hamas' political wing, he played a critical role in the group's operations, including its attacks on Israel. After Hamas' military wing launched a large-scale assault on Israel on October 27, 2023, Haniyeh became an even higher priority target.

Since 2017, Haniyeh had lived in Doha, Qatar, a country that served as a mediator between Hamas and Israel. While Mossad maintained surveillance on him, Doha was off-limits for an assassination due to its diplomatic ties with Israel and its role in hostage negotiations. Killing Haniyeh in Qatar would have jeopardized Israel’s delicate relationship with a key Middle Eastern player.

Tehran, however, was a different story. Iran, a staunch supporter of Hamas, had long been accused of funding and arming the group. Mossad knew that Haniyeh frequently visited Tehran, albeit secretly, to meet with Iranian leaders and discuss military strategies. Iran’s antagonistic relationship with Israel made it the ideal location for an assassination, as it would deepen the existing enmity and avoid implicating Israel’s allies.

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The Beginning of the Plan: A Helicopter Crash and an Opportunity

The operation began to take shape on May 20, 2024, when Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash. The incident raised suspicions of sabotage, with some pointing fingers at Israel, but no evidence ever surfaced. Following Raisi’s death, preparations began for the inauguration of a new president, which was scheduled for July 31.

Mossad anticipated that Haniyeh would attend the swearing-in ceremony in Tehran, given his close ties to Iranian leadership. This presented a rare opportunity: Haniyeh would be in a predictable location, the Nishat Compound, where he had stayed during previous visits to Tehran.

The Nishat Compound, located in northern Tehran, was a fortress. Guarded round the clock by the IRGC, it was used to host high-profile guests and conduct secret meetings. Haniyeh always stayed in the same room during his visits—a detail that Mossad had confirmed through years of surveillance and infiltration. This was where Mossad planned to strike.

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Infiltrating Iran’s Most Secure Compound

The challenge was monumental. Planting a bomb inside one of the most secure locations in Tehran required not only meticulous planning but also inside help. Mossad’s network of spies, informants, and double agents within Iran’s military and intelligence agencies played a critical role.

The bomb, a sophisticated device controlled remotely, was designed to blend into its surroundings and remain undetected for weeks. It was smuggled into Tehran in parts, disguised as ordinary goods, and assembled on-site by operatives embedded within the city. Every detail was accounted for: the placement of the bomb, the timing of the operation, and the method of detonation.

By mid-July, the bomb had been successfully planted in Haniyeh’s room in the Nishat Compound. The stage was set.

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The Assassination: July 31, 2024

On the evening of July 31, Haniyeh attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s new president. After a day of meetings and celebrations, he was escorted to the Nishat Compound under tight security. As always, he stayed in the same room, accompanied by his bodyguard.

At around 2 a.m., as the compound fell silent, the bomb was remotely detonated. The explosion was precise and devastating. One wall of Haniyeh’s room was blown apart, and the windows shattered. Haniyeh and his bodyguard were killed instantly.

Remarkably, the damage was confined to the room. Adjacent rooms, where other high-ranking Hamas leaders were staying, remained untouched. This level of precision underscored the sophistication of the operation.

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The Aftermath: Chaos and Confusion in Tehran

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, Iranian officials scrambled to contain the situation. Initially, state media reported that Haniyeh had died in an airstrike, possibly involving missiles or drones. Blaming Israel was a foregone conclusion, but as investigators examined the site, they found no evidence of an external attack.

The truth began to emerge: the explosion had originated from within the room. Iranian intelligence agencies were forced to confront an uncomfortable reality—Mossad had infiltrated one of the most secure locations in Tehran and executed a flawless assassination.

The death of Haniyeh sent shockwaves through Hamas and its supporters. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei reportedly convened an emergency meeting, calling for retaliation against Israel. Meanwhile, Hamas vowed revenge, further escalating tensions in the region.

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A Masterstroke of Espionage

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh was a testament to Mossad’s unparalleled capabilities. It demonstrated the agency’s ability to operate deep within hostile territory, leveraging intelligence, technology, and a network of informants to achieve its objectives.

This operation also highlighted the changing nature of modern espionage. Unlike traditional assassinations that relied on direct confrontations or external strikes, this mission was carried out entirely from within, using precision tools and covert infiltration. It was a silent strike—one that left no traceable evidence of Israel’s involvement.

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The Broader Implications

Haniyeh’s death marked a turning point in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. For Israel, it was a significant victory, eliminating a key figure in Hamas’ leadership and sending a clear message to its adversaries.

For Iran, however, it was a humiliating blow. The operation exposed vulnerabilities in its security apparatus and underscored Mossad’s ability to penetrate even the most fortified locations. It also deepened the already volatile conflict between Iran and Israel, with the former vowing to retaliate.

Finally, the assassination raised questions about the future of warfare and intelligence operations. As technology continues to advance, the line between traditional and unconventional methods of assassination is becoming increasingly blurred. Mossad’s operation in Tehran is a stark reminder that in the world of espionage, no one is truly untouchable.

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Conclusion

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh was not just a tactical success for Mossad but a strategic triumph in Israel’s ongoing battle against Hamas and its allies. It demonstrated the agency’s ability to adapt to new challenges, leveraging innovation and precision to achieve its objectives.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Mossad’s silent strike in Tehran will be remembered as one of the most daring and sophisticated operations in the history of modern espionage. And in the shadows of the ongoing conflict, it serves as a chilling reminder that even the most secure locations are not beyond reach.