Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a direct attack on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, according to a New York Times report. The report, citing three Iranian officials, including two members of the Revolutionary Guards, states that Khamenei issued the order during an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday morning, shortly after Iran announced Haniyeh’s death.

Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of carrying out the assassination. Israel, which is currently at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in Haniyeh’s killing. Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new president at the time of his death.

Israel has a history of targeting enemies abroad, including Iranian nuclear scientists and military commanders, according to the New York Times.

For nearly 10 months of conflict in Gaza, Iran has attempted to balance its actions, increasing attacks by its allies and proxy forces in the region while avoiding a full-scale war with Israel. In April, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones in response to an Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Damascus, which killed several Iranian military commanders.

It remains uncertain how forcefully Iran will respond this time. Iranian military commanders are considering another combined attack using drones and missiles targeting military sites near Tel Aviv and Haifa, while avoiding civilian targets, according to the Iranian officials.

One strategy under consideration is a coordinated attack from Iran and its allied forces in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq for maximum impact.

Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader and commander-in-chief, has directed military leaders to prepare for both offensive and defensive actions in case of potential attacks by Israel or the US. Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil, Khamenei declared that Iran would seek retaliation, describing it as a duty to avenge Haniyeh’s death and warning of severe consequences for Israel.

The Iranian government, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials, has affirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty. The killing, which occurred after Haniyeh’s meeting with Khamenei and during a high-security event, has been viewed as a significant security breach, according to the NYT. Iran sees retaliation as essential not only to avenge Haniyeh but also to deter future attacks on its key figures.