Hamas Urges Iran to Avoid Targeting Regional Neighbors While Supporting Defense Rights

The Palestinian militant organization Hamas has made its first public statement regarding Iranian policies, encouraging Tehran to avoid attacking neighboring nations. The group expressed support for Iran's right to defend itself against U.S.-Israeli strikes while calling for regional restraint.

CAIRO, March 14 – In an unprecedented public statement about Iranian policy, the Palestinian militant organization Hamas has urged Tehran to exercise restraint with neighboring nations while backing Iran’s right to defend itself against U.S.-Israeli strikes.

This marks the first occasion Hamas has openly weighed in on Iran’s strategic decisions. The group has shown support for Iran throughout the ongoing conflict but has previously avoided making threats about potential retaliatory measures.

“While the group affirms Iran’s right to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, it calls upon our brothers in Iran not to target neighboring countries,” the organization stated.

Hamas also urged regional nations and international bodies to work toward an immediate end to the current warfare.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza took effect in October, though sporadic violence has continued to erupt. Israeli military operations in Gaza initially decreased when the conflict with Iran began but have subsequently intensified.

Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel on March 2 in response to the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader at the conflict’s outset. Israel has since conducted extensive strikes against Lebanon and targeted the militant group.

The Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, who initiated a maritime campaign against vessels they believed were connected to Israel in the Red Sea during the Gaza conflict, have also demonstrated strong support for Tehran. However, they have not yet indicated plans to restart their attacks.