Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with senior Hamas officials in Tehran, Iranian state television reported on Saturday. The delegation, led by acting Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, included Mohammad Darwish, head of Hamas’ leadership council, and top Hamas official Nizar Awadallah.
During the meeting, Khamenei reiterated Iran’s support for Hamas in its conflict with Israel. “You defeated the Zionist regime [Israel], which was in fact America’s defeat,” Khamenei told the Palestinian delegation. “You did not allow them to achieve any of their goals.”
According to Iranian state media, the Hamas leaders traveled to Tehran to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian revolution and to express gratitude for Iran’s continued support. They also briefed Khamenei on the latest developments in Gaza and the West Bank, emphasizing “the victories and successes that were achieved.”
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Al-Hayya, addressing Khamenei, expressed appreciation for Iran’s backing. “We come to meet with you today with pride,” he was quoted as saying.
Khamenei dismissed U.S. threats against Iran, stating that they “have no effect on the mindset of our nation,” according to Iranian media.
