Hamas Calls on Iran to Exercise Restraint in Gulf Attacks

In January of last year, members of the Basij militia, a paramilitary organization associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were seen marching through downtown Tehran, Iran’s capital. The members, dressed in black masks and red headbands, carried missile replicas emblazoned with slogans such as “God is with Gaza,” “Quds (Jerusalem), we are coming,” and “Hamas is alive.” This demonstration highlighted the ongoing alignment between Iranian-backed militias and Palestinian armed groups.

Amid escalating missile and drone attacks by Iran on neighboring Gulf states, Hamas, a Palestinian armed faction and longtime Iranian ally, issued a rare public appeal urging restraint. According to regional news sources like Arab News on January 14th, Hamas declared that while Iran has the right to defend itself against aggressions from the United States and Israel using all legally sanctioned methods, it should avoid targeting neighboring nations.

Hamas emphasized that Iran must act within the framework of international norms and laws, calling for a measured approach to prevent escalation in the Gulf region. Additionally, Hamas appealed to the global community to take immediate action to halt the ongoing conflict, underlining the urgency of international intervention.

Historically, Hamas has condemned U.S. and Israeli operations, including during moments of Iranian leadership transitions, such as the passing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, denouncing external attacks as “heinous crimes.” The group has long relied on Iran for military and financial support and has actively engaged in armed confrontations with Israel in Gaza.

This latest statement marks a significant shift, as it is the first time Hamas has publicly recommended restraint toward Iran—a fellow ally and mutual adversary of Israel. Analysts suggest that Hamas’s call for moderation may reflect its broader diplomatic considerations, particularly with Gulf allies such as Qatar and Turkiye, who have faced Iranian hostilities.

In recent months, following sustained attacks from U.S. and Israeli forces, Iran has conducted multiple missile and drone strikes on neighboring states. In response to regional protests and diplomatic complaints, Iranian authorities have alternately claimed that their operations targeted U.S. military installations or embassies, or have outright denied involvement. This complex dynamic underscores the delicate balance Hamas seeks to maintain between its Iranian alliance and its relations with other regional partners.