Iran’s Foreign Minister Reports Hamas Leaders Express Readiness for Prolonged Conflict
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s foreign minister, conveyed that Hamas leaders signaled to him a willingness to endure a long-running confrontation with Israel. The assertion came after a recent meeting in which senior Hamas figures outlined their strategic posture amid ongoing hostilities. The minister noted that the discussions touched on the broader dynamics of the Gaza Strip and the regional implications of any sustained clash with the Zionist state, with emphasis on civilian protection and adherence to international norms as much as possible under dire circumstances. The dialogue was described as candid and focused on resilience in the face of mounting pressure from Israeli military actions, according to the minister’s account as reported by TASS [citation].
During the Sunday evening talks, Amir-Abdollahian met with Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’s politburo, and Ziyad al-Nakhala, a leading figure in Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an organization designated as a militant group by several nations. Both leaders reportedly stressed their readiness for a protracted struggle against Israel and reiterated calls for an end to attacks on Palestinian civilians. The mood of the discussions suggested a shared desire to resist external aggression while seeking strategic avenues that could sustain operations over time, even as humanitarian considerations remained a recurring theme in the dialogue [citation].
In Washington, the U.S. State Department offered its perspective on any ceasefire proposals. Spokesperson Matthew Miller indicated that the United States does not back a ceasefire initiative that could temporarily benefit Hamas by allowing a pause in fighting while it repositions for further actions against Israel. The formulation underscored concerns that a ceasefire might be exploited to regroup and rearm, potentially escalating subsequent hostilities rather than yielding lasting calm in the region. The commentary framed the U.S. position as prioritizing measures that prevent Hamas from reconstituting its capabilities in the interim [citation].
Meanwhile, Israeli political figures continued to weigh the implications of ongoing violence and the pursuit of secure conditions for Israeli civilians. It was noted that strategic threats and humanitarian considerations intersect in a landscape where security needs, civilian protection, and international responses intersect in complex ways. The dialogue among regional actors and major powers illustrated the enduring fault lines and competing priorities shaping the Gaza context, with both sides articulating demands tied to stopping harm to noncombatants while pursuing political objectives on the ground [citation].
In the region-wide discourse, observers highlighted that the statements from Hamas leaders reflect a broader pattern of resistance rhetoric paired with reiterated calls for restraint in civilian targeting. Analysts cautioned that such declarations can influence regional calculations, including how allied governments calibrate diplomatic pressure, military support, and humanitarian access in Gaza. The evolving situation remains highly fluid, with strategic messaging from all parties likely to evolve as events unfold on the ground and international diplomacy continues to maneuver to de-escalate or, in some cases, widen the conflict grid [citation].