 "Days after Trump floated Gaza plan, Khamenei meets top Hamas leaders in Tehran")
Days after US President Donald Trump announced his intention to occupy the Gaza Strip, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei met senior leaders of Hamas in Tehran on Saturday, according to state media.
Despite the timing of the media, Iranian TV portrayed the meeting as regular. They said Hamas leaders were in Tehran to congratulate Khamenei for the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran of 1979.
“You defeated the Zionist regime [Israel], which was in fact America’s defeat. You did not allow them to achieve any of their goals,” Khamenei was quoted as telling Hamas leaders.
The Hamas delegation included acting Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya; Mohammad Darwish, head of Hamas’ leadership council; and Nizar Awadallah. They presented Khamenei a report on the current situation in Gaza and the West Bank and “the victories and successes that were achieved”.
“We come to meet with you today with pride,” Al-Hayya was quoted as telling Khamenei.
Hamas is part of what Iran calls ‘Axis of Resistance’. It is part of Iran-supported organisations in West Asia that are opposed to Israel. Iran and Hamas are both committed to the destruction of Israel.
Khamenei was further quoted as saying that the US threats against Iran “have no effect on the mindset of our nation”.
The meeting came days after Trump said the United States would take over Gaza after the conclusion of the war and rebuild the enclave. In the most brazen policy statements in the longest time, he said that he intends to relocate all Palestinians outside of Gaza in neighbouring countries, such as Egypt or Jordan.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsSeparately, Trump has also reinstated the ‘maximum pressure’ strategy on Iran. At the same time, he has offered Iran to engage in talks to reach a nuclear agreement.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
