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Hamas Sends Warning to U.S. Over Iran Attack
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Hamas has warned that U.S. threats of military intervention against Iran will push the Middle East to "the brink of explosion."
The U.S. has not announced a military operation against Iran, but President Donald Trump issued stark warnings to Tehran and American forces are being deployed in the region.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.
Why it Matters
The statement from Hamas, an ally of Iran, is another indication of the potential threat to the United States for any deeper involvement in the war.
As the conflict between Israel and Iran unfolded over the week following Israel's attack on Iranian nuclear, missile, military and residential sites, the Palestinian faction Hamas, Israel's bitter enemy and one of Iran's regional proxy groups, has also been at odds with Washington over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, with both sides blaming each other for failing to stop the war.
Masked militants from the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, a military wing of Hamas, march with their weapons and green Islamic flags during a rally marking Palestinian prisoners Day in Gaza City, Monday, April 17, 2017.
Masked militants from the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, a military wing of Hamas, march with their weapons and green Islamic flags during a rally marking Palestinian prisoners Day in Gaza City, Monday, April 17, 2017.
Adel Hana/AP Photo
What To Know
Hamas said it strongly condemns and rejects U.S. threats against Iran, describing Israel's attack as "a blatant violation" and a "direct threat" to "peace in the region and the world," in an Arabic statement broadcast through their official Telegram channel.
Amid the operation in Iran, the Israeli military said it is continuing its ground offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The latest round of the broader Middle East conflict began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to a multi-front war between Israel and Iran and its proxies.
The recent fighting with Iran has sidelined efforts for the release of Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity as well as a ceasefire in Gaza. A UN-led conference aimed at promoting a two-state solution scheduled for this week and co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, has been suspended due to escalating tensions in the region.
Over a dozen Muslim and Arab nations have also condemned Israel's attack, urging de-escalation and nuclear diplomacy with Iran. Israel launched its offensive earlier this week, citing the threat of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons after reports warned Tehran's uranium enrichment was nearing bomb grade.
Rising tensions before the Israeli strikes had already undermined hopes for a new nuclear deal with the U.S., as Iran ruled out compromising on enrichment of uranium. Iran says its nuclear program is purely peaceful.
A war with Iran has long held out the prospect of drawing in its allied militant groups, though Hamas and Lebanese group Hezbollah have been significantly weakened by Israel over the past year. While Hamas maintains limited operations in Gaza, the Houthis have emerged as a greater challenge to Israel and the U.S.
What People Are Saying
Hamas' statement, translated from Arabic: "We warn of the grave dangers of direct American involvement in any military aggression against Iran and hold Washington and the Zionist entity fully responsible for the consequences of escalation against Iran and the region. We affirm our solidarity with Iran and its people and support their legitimate right to defend themselves and their national sovereignty."
U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social: "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!"
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posted on X on Tuesday: "We will keep fighting to bring all 53 hostages home."
What Happens Next
The conflict now risks broader escalation, particularly if the United States gets involved more deeply and if that prompts responses from other global powers.
