Hamas Leadership Meets Iranian Officials During Khamenei Funeral to Coordinate Support

During the multi-day funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran on July 3, senior Hamas leaders held a formal coordination meeting with top Iranian regime officials. The meeting, described by Hamas as a "leadership coordination meeting between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Resistance Movement," included Iranian 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 critical challenges in the Gaza Strip and updates on ongoing negotiations. The delegation emphasized Hamas's absolute rejection of any external sponsorship or plans aimed at disarming the organization. Among their demands was a diplomatic safety net, leveraging Iran's regional and diplomatic influence to support Hamas's negotiation conditions, and a firm refusal to disarm or remove Hamas's political and administrative control in Gaza post-conflict.

The document also requested linkage of any future Iran-US negotiations to the Gaza issue, prioritizing the cessation of Israeli attrition operations in Gaza. Hamas sought guarantees for continuous financial support and restoration of logistical supply lines to rebuild its military capabilities. A direct appeal was made to the Revolutionary Guards commander to maintain high alert for regional support fronts as a deterrent against Israeli violations of the ceasefire.

Iranian officials, including Ghalibaf, Vahidi, and Araghchi, pledged full support to Hamas, promising ongoing financial aid and reaffirming Iran's unwavering commitment to Palestine until a "complete victory and prayer in Al-Quds" is achieved. They assured that Hamas's demands would be integrated into Iran's diplomatic priorities and international and regional discussions. All Hamas requests were accepted by the Iranian side.