Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, recently made a significant trip to Iran, marking his latest visit to the country since the group's assault on Israel last year. Haniyeh has visited Tehran multiple times since the conflict began in Gaza, with notable visits including attending the funeral of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in May and participating in the inauguration ceremony for Raisi's successor, President Masoud Pezehkian.
During his visit, Haniyeh met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and gave an interview at the 'Land of Civilizations' exhibition in Tehran's Milad Tower. In the interview, he criticized attempts to build civilizations through violence and oppression, emphasizing the importance of genuine and sustainable progress.
Previous trips by Haniyeh to Iran have also been significant, such as his meeting with then-Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian during ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Another undisclosed visit reportedly included a meeting with Khamenei shortly after Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023.
Haniyeh's engagements in Iran underscore the close relationship between Hamas and the Iranian regime, highlighting the ongoing political and strategic ties between the two entities. His recent trip and interactions with Iranian leaders provide insights into the diplomatic efforts and alliances shaping the Middle East region.
