• Hamas calls on Iran to avoid targeting neighboring countries while affirming its right to defend itself.
• The organization urges the international community to work towards ending the war in the Middle East.
• Hamas acknowledges Iran’s support for its cause, especially following the death of Iran’s supreme leader.
• Recent regional tensions have escalated with missile attacks and responses from multiple nations.

Hamas publicly appealed to Iran on Saturday to refrain from targeting neighboring countries, while affirming Tehran's right to defend itself against perceived aggression from Israel and the United States. This statement marks Hamas's first official call to Tehran to moderate its actions during an ongoing conflict in the Middle East that erupted on February 28, 2023. Hamas stated, "While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighboring countries," referencing the need for regional stability according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and CBS News.

The organization has also called upon the international community to take urgent steps to halt the ongoing warfare. The criticism comes after the group condemned the killing of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, labeling it a "heinous crime," and underscoring his role in providing support to Hamas's resistance efforts. Hamas stated, "He provided all forms of political, diplomatic and military support to our people, our cause, and our resistance," reflecting its reliance on Iranian backing according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and CBS News.

As the conflict escalated, Tehran retaliated by launching missile and drone strikes against at least ten nations, heightening tensions throughout the region. Qatar reported intercepting missiles aimed at its territory, prompting evacuations in Doha amid the turmoil. Hamas's leadership reportedly has contacted officials in key regional states, including Qatar and Turkey, urging them to help de-escalate the situation further according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and CBS News.

The plea from Hamas emerges as ally Hezbollah re-engages in conflict, launching numerous rockets at Israel in retaliation for Khamenei’s death. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported significant casualties as the crisis deepens, with Israeli strikes contributing to nearly 800 deaths in Lebanon. Hamas’s outreach to Iran is significant given Tehran's historical support for the group, with analysts estimating that Iran allocates tens of millions of dollars annually to Hamas, emphasizing the strategic ties between them according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and CBS News.