In a stunning revelation that has shaken the intelligence world, details have emerged about the covert Mossad operation that led to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in Iran. The audacious mission, which unfolded on July 31, 2024, involved a meticulously planned infiltration of one of the most secure locations in Tehran—one that housed both high-ranking Iranian officials and elite IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) members.

The story of Haniya’s killing goes beyond mere espionage; it uncovers a tale of intelligence manipulation, high-risk infiltration, and a key piece of luck that determined the operation’s success. Here’s how Mossad operatives managed to eliminate one of the most sought-after Hamas figures in one of the most tightly secured areas in Iran.

A Stealth Operation Inside the Heart of Tehran

Haniya, the leader of Hamas, had been operating out of Doha, Qatar, but his frequent travels to Tehran, Istanbul, and Moscow made him vulnerable. His trip to Tehran was carefully timed and well-calculated—he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s President Pezeshkian and met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. During these visits, Haniya stayed in the Neshat compound, a high-security facility located in Tehran’s Saadat Abad area, home to Iran’s most powerful officials and protected by air defence systems.

For months, Mossad agents meticulously monitored Haniya’s travel patterns and gathered intelligence about his stays in Tehran. The team discovered that Haniya always stayed in the same room at the Neshat compound whenever he visited. With this critical information, Mossad agents knew exactly when and where to strike.

The Role of an Inside Mole: An IRGC Associate’s Betrayal

What made this operation even more extraordinary was the role of an insider—a member of the IRGC. According to Israeli intelligence expert Benny Sabati, this associate within the Iranian elite force played a pivotal role in the assassination. The IRGC, known for its ironclad security measures, had entrusted Haniya’s safety to the Ansar al-Mahdi unit, a highly skilled team trained in counter-espionage and close combat. These elite guards, chosen through rigorous vetting processes, are known for their loyalty to the Iranian regime, making them highly suspicious of any foreign interference.

However, despite their precautions, Mossad managed to infiltrate this closed network, aided by an insider willing to betray the trust of the Iranian regime. The level of infiltration that Mossad achieved was unparalleled, with agents working both inside and outside the compound to ensure the mission’s success.

The Critical Moment: An Air Conditioner That Saved a Life… and Almost Foiled the Mission

The operation hinged on one precise detail: Haniya’s room. Mossad operatives had planted a remote-controlled bomb in the pillow of Haniya’s bed, but the mission nearly failed due to an unforeseen complication. The air conditioner (AC) in Haniya’s room broke down, and there was a serious concern that the Hamas leader might request a room change. Had this happened, the entire mission could have been compromised.

Thankfully, the Iranian mechanic fixed the AC just in time, and Haniya stayed in his designated room. The Mossad agent, knowing that this was a critical moment, held his breath as the night progressed.

At around 1:30 AM, as Haniya was fast asleep, the bomb detonated in his room with a deafening blast. The explosion immediately sent shockwaves through the compound, causing chaos among the guards and officials. The IRGC’s elite security forces rushed to the scene, but by the time they arrived, it was too late—Haniya had been killed instantly.

Aftermath and the Immediate Reactions

In the aftermath of the explosion, the scene inside the Neshat compound was chaotic. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya was reportedly one of the first to arrive at Haniya’s room, where he was seen crying bitterly over the loss of his leader. The Iranian authorities quickly launched an investigation to find out who had helped Mossad infiltrate their ranks, with suspicions particularly pointed at members of the Quds Force.

While the assassination of Haniya was a massive blow to Hamas, it also raised questions about potential internal betrayals within Iran. There have been speculations about the involvement of senior Quds Force commander Ismail Kani, who was notably absent in the weeks following the attack. Kani had been in Beirut during the killing of Hezbollah’s chief Hassan Nasrallah, leading to suspicions that he might have been involved in orchestrating both Haniya’s and Nasrallah’s attacks.

A Higher-Level Operation Than the Pager Attack

Israeli intelligence expert Benny Sabati described the operation as being “even more high-level than the pager attack”—a reference to Mossad’s previous high-profile operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to Sabati, the successful elimination of Haniya involved not just a well-executed strike but a comprehensive plan that infiltrated Iran’s most protected facility from the inside. It was a perfect storm of intelligence gathering, execution, and—ultimately—luck.

The Bigger Picture: Strategic Calculations Behind the Killing

One of the key questions raised by experts is why Mossad chose Tehran as the location for the assassination rather than Haniya’s other known destinations, such as Doha or Istanbul. The answer lies in strategic calculation. Qatar was off-limits due to the ongoing efforts to mediate hostage situations, and an attack in Istanbul could have led to serious political fallout, particularly with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government. Moscow, on the other hand, posed its own set of challenges, including complicated diplomatic relations.

By choosing Tehran, Mossad took a calculated risk, targeting a city where Haniya’s death would send a powerful message but also where the operation’s success could be ensured with precision.

Mossad’s Perfect Execution

The assassination of Ismail Haniya is a testament to the sophistication of modern espionage operations and the lengths to which intelligence agencies like Mossad are willing to go to achieve their objectives. With careful planning, insider support, and sheer determination, Mossad successfully infiltrated one of the most secure facilities in Iran, neutralized a key Hamas leader, and carried out an operation that will go down in history as one of their most daring and effective.

While Iran continues to search for the person who helped Mossad, the execution of this mission has reinforced Mossad’s reputation as one of the world’s most capable and ruthless intelligence agencies.