• Hamas calls on Iran to stop targeting neighbouring Gulf countries amidst ongoing conflict.
• The appeal emphasizes Iran's right to defend itself against US and Israeli aggression.
• Hamas urges the international community to act immediately to end the war.
• Numerous attacks have reportedly led to civilian casualties across the region.
• The group congratulated Iran’s new supreme leader while asserting its support for Iran’s actions.

The Palestinian group Hamas has called upon Iran to refrain from targeting neighboring countries while affirming Tehran’s right to defend itself against the ongoing US and Israeli aggressions. In a statement made on March 14, Hamas expressed concern over the regional consequences of these conflicts, urging their "brothers in Iran" to avoid acts that would affect Gulf states, which include critical allies like Qatar and Turkey, according to Al Jazeera, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.

Hamas's statement marks its first public appeal to Iran regarding its military actions since the war escalated on February 28. Alongside calling for restraint, Hamas urged the international community to work towards halting the conflict that has seen widespread violence across the region, including recent missile strikes on Gulf countries that have resulted in civilian casualties. Reports indicate that regional tensions have heightened, especially after the assassination of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, which Hamas condemned as a "heinous crime," according to CBS News, BBC, and Reuters.

In light of ongoing hostilities, Hamas has acknowledged Iran's financial and military support over the years but emphasized the need for regional stability. The statement highlights a critical moment as Hamas discourages any Iranian actions that could further destabilize relations with neighboring states while supporting Iran's defensive efforts. Notably, fires and missile attacks have been aimed at various Gulf states, leading to significant fatalities, as reported by Le Monde and India Times.

Hamas concluded its statement by congratulating Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, affirming expectations that Iran will continue its support for the Palestinian cause, which remains a core principle of its agenda. The group reiterated its request for all countries in the region to cooperate in stopping what they termed as "Zionist aggression," according to Middle East Eye and Dawn.