Qatar’s emir, Iran's vice president discuss latest events after Hamas leader's assassination

By Ibrahim al-Khazen

ISTANBUL (AA) — Qatar's emir and Iran's vice president on Friday discussed the latest regional and international developments in the light of the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination.

According to a statement by the Qatari royal court, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received Iran's Mohammad Reza Aref in his office in the capital Doha.

"The meeting dealt with bilateral relations between the two countries and the means to enhance them, in addition to the latest regional and international developments," the statement said.

Aref had arrived earlier in Doha to attend Haniyeh's funeral. The head of Palestinian group Hamas' political bureau was assassinated on Wednesday in the Iranian capital Tehran.

While Hamas and Iran blamed Israel for his killing, Tel Aviv has not confirmed or denied its responsibility.

On Tuesday, Israel also killed Hezbollah top commander Fouad Shukr in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, pushing further tension to the situation between Israel and Hezbollah.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar