Hamas Urges Iran to Refrain from Targeting Arab Neighbouring Countries
Hamas has made an urgent appeal to Iran to exercise restraint in targeting neighbouring countries. This represents the latest development in the escalating conflict in the Middle East, following US and Israeli attacks on Tehran on 28 February that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Whilst Hamas affirmed Tehran’s right to defend itself against the US and Israeli aggression, the group urged the international community to work towards ending the war in the Middle East.
“Whilst affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression in all available ways in accordance with international norms and law, the movement calls upon our brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries,” Hamas stated in a public appeal to Tehran on Saturday, according to AFP, on 15 March 2026.
“Calling upon the international community to work to end the ongoing war immediately,” the group added, referring to its two-year conflict with Israel in Gaza.
Hamas also condemned the assassination of Khamenei, describing it as a “heinous crime.”
“He provided all forms of political, diplomatic, and military support to our people, our struggle, and our resistance,” the movement said regarding Khamenei.
Analysts estimate that Iran provides Hamas with tens of millions of dollars annually. Under the late Khamenei’s government, Iran viewed support for Palestinian groups such as Hamas as a central pillar of its regional strategy against Israel and its allies.
Hamas’s appeal regarding neighbouring countries is also linked to the group’s close ties with Qatar and Turkey, which are themselves not immune from Iranian missiles due to hosting US and NATO military bases. Qatar has been a principal financial supporter related to Gaza during Hamas’s governance, with much of its funding described as humanitarian aid or reconstruction assistance, whilst Turkey has provided political and diplomatic support rather than large-scale direct funding.