Tehran, October 26: In the wake of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s death, Iranian strategists are accelerating efforts to acquire and test nuclear weapons, raising the World War 3 fears, a report said on Saturday, October 26. Sinwar, a key ally of Tehran, was killed by Israeli forces in Rafah on October 16 during Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza. He was the architect behind Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of hundreds of Israelis.

According to a report published by The Mirror, Iran is planning nuclear weapons test after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. On Saturday, October 26, Israel said it had struck military targets inside Iran in response to earlier Iranian attacks. The Israeli military said it had targeted Iranian missile manufacturing sites and aerial defense systems in what appeared to be a highly calculated response that avoided critical energy infrastructure, such as oil fields and nuclear facilities. Iran called Israeli strikes a "clear violation"of international law, adding that it “considers itself entitled and obligated to defend itself.” Israel-Iran War: ‘Adversarial Targets’ Around Tehran Province Shot Down, Says Iran; Country Activates Air Defence.

October 7 Hamas Attack on Israel: A Little Background

Israel launched a full-scale offensive in Gaza following Hamas' October 7 attack. The massacre led to Israel’s intensified military campaign in Gaza, resulting in tens of thousands of Palestinian civilian casualties and the displacement of millions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expanded the conflict to target Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Following missile attacks on Israel earlier this year, Netanyahu’s threats materialised as Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iran on Saturday, pushing Middle Eastern tensions to a critical point.

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World leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have urged both nations to exercise restraint. The conflict has significantly weakened Hamas and Hezbollah, with many of their leaders killed by Israeli forces. This has dealt a severe blow to Iran’s influence in the region and its efforts to undermine Israel, which enjoys substantial support from the US. World War 3 Imminent? Israel Attacks Iran With 'Precise Strikes' on Military Targets in Tehran and Shiraz, Iranian Airspace Shut.

Sinwar’s death poses a significant challenge for Iran, potentially hindering its ability to quickly establish strong ties with other Hamas leaders. Kasra Arabi, director of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) research at United Against Nuclear Iran, stated that Sinwar’s death has caused “irreparable damage” to Iran’s strategic ambitions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 26, 2024 06:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).