Hamas delegation in Iran to mark 1979 Islamic Revolution

Delegation headed by Abu Omar Nasser is expected to hold talks with a number of senior Iranian officials, according to Iranian media reports.

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH
Updated: FEBRUARY 11, 2016 09:37
An Iranian soldier stands guard in front of a picture of Iran's late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini during the anniversary ceremony of Iran's Islamic Revolution in Tehran, February 1, 2016 (photo credit: REUTERS/RAHEB HOMAVANDI)
An Iranian soldier stands guard in front of a picture of Iran's late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini during the anniversary ceremony of Iran's Islamic Revolution in Tehran, February 1, 2016
(photo credit: REUTERS/RAHEB HOMAVANDI)
A Hamas delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to participate in celebrations marking the anniversary of the “victory of the Islamic Revolution” in 1979.
The delegation, which is headed by Abu Omar Nasser, is expected to hold talks with a number of senior Iranian officials, according to reports in the Iranian media.
The visit comes despite ongoing tensions between Iran and Hamas over the latter’s refusal to support the regime of President Bashar Assad in the civil war in Syria.
As a result of the tensions, Iran has reportedly suspended financial and military aid to Hamas.
On the eve of the visit, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hussein Ansari announced that his country was continuing to support Palestinian “resistance” groups, including Hamas.
An audiotape that was recently leaked to Arab media outlets featured senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzouk strongly condemning the leaders of Iran, whom he called liars.
Abu Marzouk is heard saying the Iranians have been lying to Hamas about everything, including dispatching weapons ships to the Gaza Strip.