Hamas has called on Iran to stop attacking Gulf states, making a rare public appeal to one of its closest regional allies as the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to spread. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Palestinian armed group urged its “brothers in Iran” to avoid targeting neighboring countries and said regional states should work together to preserve ties and prevent further instability.
At the same time, Hamas reaffirmed Iran’s right to defend itself against ongoing US and Israeli attacks. The group also called on governments and international organizations to push for an immediate end to the war, saying it was following developments in the region with deep concern.
Hamas Balances Support for Iran With a Call for Restraint
The statement is notable because Iran has long been Hamas’s most important backer in terms of financial aid, weapons and political support. Hamas is also widely viewed as part of Iran’s so-called “axis of resistance,” a broader network of groups aligned against US and Israeli influence in the region.
Even so, Hamas’s latest message suggests concern that attacks on Gulf countries could widen the conflict and damage relationships across the region. Reuters reported that this was Hamas’s first public appeal of this kind to Tehran since the current war began.
Gulf States Have Felt the Impact of Iran’s Retaliation
Iran has said its retaliatory strikes are aimed at American installations on Gulf soil rather than the neighboring states themselves. But reporting from the region indicates that attacks have affected civilian areas and infrastructure as well. Reuters reported earlier this month that Iranian strikes on Gulf states risk widening the war by pushing more regional governments closer to Washington.
Recent coverage also shows that several Gulf countries have already been drawn into the fallout. Al Jazeera and other outlets reported that Iranian attacks and interceptions have affected states including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Oman during the current conflict.
Statement Comes Amid Ongoing Gaza Ceasefire Tensions
Hamas issued the appeal while its own uneasy ceasefire with Israel in Gaza remains in place. Reuters noted that the ceasefire took effect in October, though periodic violence and mutual accusations of violations have continued.
The group has previously strongly condemned Israeli and US actions against Iran, including the killing of Iran’s supreme leader on the first day of the war, according to regional reporting. That history makes Hamas’s call for restraint toward Gulf neighbors especially striking, because it shows the group is trying to balance loyalty to Tehran with concern over broader regional consequences.
A Message Aimed at Containing the Conflict
Hamas’s position does not signal a break with Iran. Instead, it appears to be a warning that further attacks on Gulf states could deepen the crisis and isolate Tehran at a moment when regional tensions are already high. That is an inference based on Hamas’s continued support for Iran’s right to respond, paired with its unusual request that Tehran avoid hitting neighboring countries.
As the conflict continues, the statement adds another sign that even Iran’s allies are increasingly worried about how far the fighting could spread.