US: Punishing Those Responsible For Killing The Leader Is Certain, Only The Method May Differ -Esmail Kowsari

As reported by The Times of Israel on July 14, 2026, Iranian lawmaker Esmail Kowsari said retaliation against those responsible for the killing of Iran’s former supreme leader is certain, stressing that the only uncertainty concerns how such action would be carried out. According to Kowsari, the response could come through international legal mechanisms or from individuals who believe it is their duty to seek justice for those they regard as martyrs. His remarks underscored Iran’s position that accountability for the killing remains an important issue.

Kowsari, who serves as a member of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, made the comments in an interview with the Defa Press news agency. He indicated that the question was not whether retaliation would occur, but rather which avenue would ultimately be used to pursue those held responsible. His statement suggested that multiple paths remain available for seeking what he described as justice.

“The issue of retaliation and punishing those responsible for killing the leader is certain, and only the method and channel of carrying it out may differ, whether through international mechanisms or by those who see themselves as obliged to pursue the rights of the martyrs,” Kowsari, a member of parliament’s National Security Commission, told the Defa Press news agency…....