Iran has condemned a statement from the Group of Seven (G7) urging Tehran to cease its support for Hamas militants and actions that allegedly “destabilize” the Middle East.
The G7 foreign ministers, meeting in Tokyo, expressed support for “humanitarian pauses and corridors” amid the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict, which has seen intensified Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since October 7.
The G7 statement also called on Iran to refrain from supporting Hamas and avoid actions that could destabilize the region, including support for groups like Lebanese Hezbollah. In response, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, strongly condemned the G7 statement, emphasizing Iran’s continuous efforts to halt Israeli military attacks on Gaza.
President Ebrahim Raisi asserted that Iran sees it as its duty to support resistance groups but emphasized their independence in decision-making. Despite not officially recognizing Israel, Iran’s long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The G7’s call and Iran’s rejection highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Israeli-Hamas conflict and the differing perspectives on the responsibilities of various actors in the region.
