Hamas says its political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed by an Israeli attack in Tehran.

Iranian state TV cites the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as saying he was shot Wednesday morning.

Hamas has been in a fierce battle with the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip.

Haniyeh became prime minister of Palestine's Hamas-led government in 2006. He acted as the top leader of the enclave as the rift between Hamas and Fatah deepened.

Haniyeh had been based in Qatar, but on Tuesday, he was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony for Iran's new president.

Masoud Pezeshkian is promising to improve ties internationally and ease restrictions on social freedoms at home. His predecessor had overseen a crackdown on anti-government protesters. Pezeshkian says his election will open up a "new opportunity" for Iran and the world.

Pezeshkian said, "We call on Western countries to understand the realities and establish relationships based on mutual respect and an equal footing."