Analytical Report: Has Iran Turned Its Back on Hamas?

Yahoo News reported on Friday, November 17, analyzing the possibility of the Islamic Republic distancing itself from Hamas. The report initially referenced Iran's message to the United States regarding Tehran's unwillingness to escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas into the region, as well as remarks made a few days ago by Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, in a conversation with Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader, about Iran not entering this conflict. According to the report, these two developments have called into question the continuation of the Islamic Republic's support for Hamas. In this context, some Hamas officials have denied the report regarding Ali Khamenei's remarks. Meanwhile, the Financial Times quoted some analysts stating that as a result of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Islamic Republic now has more 'diplomatic opportunities' at the regional level. The Financial Times noted that although the Islamic Republic is the 'main supporter of anti-Israeli Islamist militants in the region,' it has stated that it was unaware of Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 prior to the incident, a position confirmed by U.S. officials. The Telegraph also reported, citing six unnamed officials, that the Islamic Republic would not engage directly unless attacked by Israel or the U.S. However, it will continue to use its 'network of armed proxy groups' to carry out rocket attacks on Israeli and U.S. positions. According to them, this is a 'measured effort to show solidarity with Hamas' and increase pressure on Israel without direct conflict with Israel and the United States. The Financial Times reported that the Islamic Republic's perspective extends beyond the region, seeking to capitalize on 'diplomatic opportunities' arising from the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Analysts noted that the Islamic Republic aims to use this opportunity to reduce its gap with Arab and regional leaders. Haaretz also reported in response to these developments that the Islamic Republic is turning its back on Hamas because the fall of Hamas 'will not harm Iran's regional strategy.' These reports have emerged at a time when the leader and other officials of the Islamic Republic have not publicly condemned the Hamas militants' attacks on Israel on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths, most of whom were civilians. According to The Economist, despite not directly entering the conflict, the Islamic Republic has exploited the ongoing chaos in the region and halted the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Economist's report stated that the expansion of the conflict into the region could also be profitable for Iran, as it may lead to an increase in oil prices in global markets. The most likely scenario for a widespread regional war is the full-scale entry of Hezbollah into the conflict with Israel. However, a Lebanese security official told the Times of Israel that despite ongoing scattered clashes, Hezbollah is not interested in a large-scale war with Israel. The Israeli army: Several patients, staff, and refugees have left Shifa Hospital. Hamas: At least 32 Palestinians have been killed due to Israeli attacks in southern Gaza. Reiterating Turkey's positions in the Israel-Hamas war during a trip to Germany. The U.S. welcomes Israel's agreement to send daily fuel to Gaza. The Crown Prince of Bahrain called for a 'hostage exchange' between Hamas and Israel. A Muslim Israeli rescuer on the Hamas terrorist attack: This is the result of 'hatred.' A former U.S. Defense Secretary's advice to Israel: The condition for eradicating Hamas is 'serious engagement' with the Islamic Republic. Two Iran-backed militants were killed in Israeli airstrikes around Damascus.