Hamas Responds to US Airstrikes on Iran
Hamas, often labeled as a jihadist terrorist group, released a statement on Saturday after President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes targeting Iran’s primary uranium enrichment site. They described the action as a “dangerous escalation.”
During his national address that same day, President Trump revealed that U.S. forces had conducted strikes to dismantle three nuclear facilities in Iran.
Trump explained that he felt it was necessary to address the Iranian government during his second term, aiming to prevent the development of nuclear weapons after several months of negotiations with Tehran.
Officials from Trump’s administration have previously noted that Iran’s enrichment activities were not consistent with peaceful nuclear energy use.
In their statement, Hamas suggested that the U.S. actions were in response to requests from the Israeli government, emphasizing that Trump would bear “full responsibility” for the consequences.
“This brutal attack constitutes dangerous escalation and blind adherence to the agenda of fraudulent Zionist occupation,” Hamas asserted. They expressed confidence in Iran’s capacity to uphold its sovereignty and protect its citizens.
Hamas has long been one of Iran’s most significant proxy groups in the Middle East, governing the Gaza Strip and receiving notable support from the Iranian regime. The U.S. State Department estimates that Iran invests around 100 million dollars annually to support various Palestinian militant factions, including Hamas. This backing has enabled Hamas to carry out deadly attacks and provide assistance during the ongoing conflict in October 2023.
Hamas’ remarks echoed similar sentiments expressed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who referred to the airstrikes as a “dangerous escalation.”
Guterres warned that the situation could quickly spiral out of control, leading to dire consequences for both civilians and the international community, asserting that there is “no military solution” to the conflict.
In a concise statement, President Trump argued that the airstrikes were essential to eliminate the Iranian threat concerning nuclear weapons, highlighting Iran’s notorious role as a sponsor of global terrorism.
“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strike is an epic military success,” the president claimed, noting that a key nuclear facility in Iran had been eradicated.
“Iran, a bully in the Middle East, must now pursue peace,” Trump insisted. He issued a caution regarding future actions, implying that if Iran continued its aggression, the repercussions would be significantly larger and easier for the U.S. to deliver.
Following this military initiative, the Israeli government declared operations aimed at neutralizing the Iranian nuclear threat, with airstrikes against top officials within Iran’s military, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). Confirmed targets included Major General Hossein Salami and several scientists associated with the nuclear program.
The Israeli campaign continued into the week, with reports emerging that the Israeli Air Force had targeted Saeed Izadi, a commander of the IRGC Quds forces, who had played a vital role in liaising with Hamas.
Both the U.S. and Israeli military operations cited Iran’s obstructions of UN agencies attempting to perform their roles due to the ongoing enrichment activities, in violation of protocols established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
