Here’s what you need to know about Iran’s relationship with Hamas
By Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN
October 9, 2023
The recent incursion by Hamas into Israel has raised questions about the militant group’s ability to carry out such a sophisticated operation on its own. Speculation has arisen about whether Hamas received assistance from its longtime supporter, Iran.
While Iran has denied any involvement in the operation, it has received commendations from Tehran. US deputy national security adviser Jon Finer stated that there is currently no “direct information” linking the attacks to Iran but believes that Iran is “broadly complicit” in Hamas attacks.
The evolving relationship between Iran, Hamas, and its Palestinian militant partners, the Islamic Jihad, is well-documented. Here’s what you need to know:
1. An ambiguous and evolving alliance: Hamas had turned against Iran for years due to its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the country’s civil war. However, the group eventually returned to Tehran’s orbit and has openly communicated with Iran and its paramilitary allies regarding its militant goals.
2. Funding: Israel claims that Iran provides approximately $100 million per year in support to Hamas. The US State Department has also stated that the group receives funding, weapons, and training from Iran, with additional funds raised in Gulf Arab countries.
3. Regional coordination: Iran’s paramilitary allies in the region, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon, have openly boasted about their strong security coordination with Palestinian Islamist groups. It is worth noting that many Western countries and some Arab nations consider Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad to be terrorist organizations.
In conclusion, while Iran has denied involvement in the recent Hamas incursion into Israel, its history of support and communication with the group and its Palestinian partners raises questions about the extent of their relationship. Iran’s funding and regional coordination with paramilitary allies further highlight the complex dynamics at play in the region.
CNN’s Betsy Klein, MJ Lee, Jim Sciutto, and Pamela Brown contributed to this report.