Hamas urges key ally Iran to halt attacks on Gulf states

Hamas, the Palestinian armed group governing Gaza, has made an unusual public request asking its primary supporter Iran to cease attacks on Gulf nations, while simultaneously affirming Iran's right to self-defense against U.S. and Israeli strikes. Iran's retaliatory operations have resulted in at least 18 deaths across Gulf countries including the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, primarily affecting security forces and foreign workers, despite Iranian claims that targets are American installations rather than neighboring states. This appeal represents a delicate diplomatic position for Hamas, which relies heavily on Iranian funding, weapons, and political backing.