Hamas Urges Iran to Avoid Targeting Gulf States

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, issued a statement on March 14, 2026, urging its longtime ally Iran to refrain from targeting neighboring Gulf states amid the escalating conflict with the United States and Israel, while affirming Tehran's right to defend itself.

The statement came two weeks after the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, 2026. Since then, Iranian forces have conducted missile and drone strikes on several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, with reports of attacks near Qatar and Oman. Tehran has stated that these actions target US military bases and interests, though some strikes have affected civilian areas, according to regional reports.

"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," Hamas said. The group also appealed to regional nations to cooperate in halting the broader aggression and preserving fraternal ties. Additionally, Hamas called on the international community and...