Iran has been vowing to retaliate against Israel over the killing of a senior Hamas official last month in Tehran. On Tuesday, Reuters quoted Iranian officials as saying they may hold off if progress is made on negotiations toward a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas are being urged by the US and other countries to resume talks on Thursday. An Iranian official reportedly said the attack will go ahead if the talks fail or if Iran and its allies feel the Israelis are delaying the negotiations.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar said his group will not take part unless Israel first stops its military operations in Gaza.

The potential attack comes in the wake of the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31. Israeli officials have neither confirmed nor denied their involvement.

However, their forces continue to lay siege to the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Health authorities in Gaza said on Tuesday that nearly 40,000 people have been killed in the enclave since October 7.