Hamas urges Iran to stop 'targeting neighbouring countries'

Palestinian group Hamas called on Iran on Saturday to refrain from targeting neighbouring countries, while affirming Tehran's right to defend itself against Israel and the United States.

In a rare appeal, Hamas also urged the international community to take steps to end the war that has gripped the Middle East since it began on February 28.

"While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries," Hamas said in a statement, its first such public appeal to Tehran.

A Hamas official told AFP that the movement has been in contact with Iranian officials regarding the Gulf attacks.

"Hamas's leadership has also reached out to officials in several countries, including Qatar, Turkey and Iraq, urging them to work towards halting the American and Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran," he added.

Agence France-Presse