Hamas Leadership Meets Iranian Officials During Khamenei Funeral in Tehran
During the multi-day funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on July 3, a high-level meeting took place between Hamas leaders and senior Iranian regime officials in Tehran. The meeting, described by Hamas as a "coordination meeting between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Resistance Movement," included Iranian participants such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi. Hamas was represented by senior figures including Mohammed Darwish, Mousa Abu Marzouk, and Zaher Jabarin.
Hamas presented Iran with a detailed document outlining its critical challenges in the Gaza Strip and updates on ongoing negotiations. The delegation emphasized its absolute refusal of any external sponsorship that would seek to disarm Hamas or dismantle its political and military leadership in Gaza. Among Hamas's key demands was a diplomatic safety net, leveraging Iran's regional and diplomatic influence to support Hamas's negotiation terms. Hamas also requested that any future Iran-US negotiations include the Gaza issue, prioritizing a halt to Israeli attrition operations in Gaza.
Additional demands included guaranteed continuous financial support and restoration of logistical supply lines to rebuild Hamas's military capabilities. Hamas specifically urged Revolutionary Guards commander Vahidi to maintain regional support fronts on high alert as a deterrent against Israeli violations of the ceasefire. Iranian officials, including Ghalibaf, Vahidi, and Araghchi, pledged full support, promising ongoing financial aid and reaffirming Iran's unwavering commitment to Palestine until a "complete victory and prayer in Al-Quds" is achieved. They also assured that Hamas's demands would be integrated into Iran's diplomatic priorities and international discussions. All Hamas requests were accepted by the Iranian side.
