Hamas announced that Massoud Pezeshkian, head of the government of the Islamic Republic, congratulated Khalil al-Hayya, the new leader of this Islamic Republic–backed paramilitary group, on his election in a call.

According to the Hamas website, Pezeshkian said: “The Islamic Republic stands alongside the Palestinian people, for their rights and just cause, and will continue its support and assistance to them.”

He added: “We are with you and we support you in all the actions you take, despite the attacks we endure.”

According to Hamas, Khalil al-Hayya also thanked Tehran for its positions and its “unceasing support for the Palestinian people.”

He also expressed hope that “the aggression” against the Islamic Republic will end and that “security and stability will return to the entire region.”