Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation with Basem Naeem, a senior member of Hamas's political bureau, to discuss the latest regional developments and ongoing talks between Iran and the United States, state television reported on Wednesday.
Details of the Call
During the call, Araghchi and Naeem reviewed the current state of negotiations between Tehran and Washington. The discussion comes shortly after Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last week aimed at achieving a lasting end to hostilities across the Middle East. The text of the MOU does not explicitly mention Gaza but calls for “an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”
Iran's Stance on Palestine
According to a transcript released by Iranian television, Araghchi “reaffirmed the Islamic republic’s continued support for Palestinians and their just cause until their legitimate national rights are fully realized.” Iran has long positioned itself as a staunch defender of the Palestinian cause, a cornerstone of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Hamas Welcomes the Agreement
Hamas has welcomed the US-Iran agreement, expressing hope that it would also help end the violence in the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by over two years of war with Israel. Basem Naeem's engagement with Araghchi signals the group's interest in the potential impact of the deal on the Palestinian territories.
Regional Mediation Efforts
On Tuesday, Araghchi accompanied Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on a visit to neighboring Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator in the talks between Tehran and Washington. This diplomatic activity underscores the interconnected nature of regional conflicts and the role of third-party facilitators.
