Iran Launches Missiles at Multiple Countries; Hamas Emerges with Statement

Hamas has urged Iran not to target neighbouring countries in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. Despite this appeal, Hamas reaffirmed that Tehran possesses the right to defend itself against attacks from the United States and Israel.

In its statement, Hamas asserted that Iran is entitled to respond to aggression through various means provided such actions conform to international norms and law. However, the group also appealed for Iran’s response not to be directed at countries in the surrounding region.

“The group affirms Iran’s right to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and law, but also calls on our brothers in Iran not to target neighbouring countries,” the Hamas statement read, as cited from Reuters on Sunday (15 June 2026).

This statement represents Hamas’s first public comment on Iranian policy since the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran escalated. Whilst Hamas has previously expressed solidarity with Iran, it has generally avoided making direct retaliation threats.

Additionally, Hamas has requested that Middle Eastern nations and international organisations immediately halt the ongoing war.

Israel and Hamas had previously agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, which came into effect in October. Nevertheless, sporadic clashes have continued since that time.

Israeli operations in Gaza had diminished at the outset of the conflict with Iran; however, in recent weeks the intensity of attacks has increased. Meanwhile, the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, which is also allied with Iran, began launching attacks against Israel on 2 March.

These attacks were characterised as retaliation for the death of Iran’s supreme leader at the beginning of the war. Israel subsequently responded by striking several areas in Lebanon and targeting positions held by the group.

The Houthi group in Yemen, also allied with Iran, has similarly expressed solidarity with Tehran. The group had previously conducted military operations against vessels deemed affiliated with Israel in the Red Sea during the Gaza conflict.

However, to date, Houthi has not threatened to resume fresh attacks in the region.