There was no immediate comment from Israel, which had pledged to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders over the group’s October 7 attack on southern Israel.
The strike on Wednesday came just after Haniyeh attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president in Tehran and only hours after Israel targeted a top commander of Iran’s ally, Hezbollah, in Beirut, Lebanon.
The assassination of Hamas’ top political leader is potentially explosive amid the region’s conflicts because of its target, its timing and the decision to carry it out in Tehran.
“The situation is worrying, and we are working in order to avoid an escalation,” Tajani told reporters before a visit to Paliano prison in the province of Frosinone, near Rome.
“Today I will hold a videoconference with all the Italian ambassadors in the Middle East.
“We are in contact with our allies and working to reduce the tension.
“Israel has the right to defend itself but there must be no escalation.”
ANSA/AAP
