Is Iran shifting its stance? Pezeshkian's statement on Gaza

Is Tehran signaling a change in approach? Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that his country will support any decision made by Palestinians in Gaza negotiations, even if the Hamas leadership decides to act independently.

According to Iranian media reports, Pezeshkian held a phone conversation with the head of the Hamas political bureau, Khalil al-Hayya, to congratulate him on his appointment. During the call, the Iranian president emphasized that Tehran "stands with the Palestinian people" and will continue its support, but added that Iran supports "any step or decision" taken by Palestinian leaders regarding the future of the Gaza Strip.

According to a statement released by Hamas, Pezeshkian told al-Hayya:

"We are with you and support any step you decide to take, despite the aggression we are experiencing ourselves."

In turn, al-Hayya thanked the Iranian president for Tehran's backing and provided an update on the status of negotiations, as well as the situation in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.

The Iranian president's remarks are notable given Tehran's traditional position as one of Hamas's primary supporters. Just days ago, the Revolutionary Guards declared that "the plot to disarm Hamas has failed" following reports of diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the fighting.

Reports also indicate that Hamas had hoped Iran would push for the Gaza issue to be a central component of any future agreement during its contacts with the United States. However, according to the report, senior Iranian officials did not provide the organization with any clear commitments on the matter.