By Al-Fassel | 2026-03-22

The ongoing regional conflict has reached a critical turning point as Hamas, a longtime ally of Tehran, publicly urged Iran to halt strikes.

While affirming Iran's right to defend itself against the United States and Israel, the group's appeal exposes a widening gap between rhetoric and action.

This shift occurs as the conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, continues to disrupt global energy markets and endanger millions across the Gulf region.

The contradiction of Iranian self-defense

The Iranian regime often presents itself as a reluctant participant in the current war, claiming it acts in "self-defense" while respecting neighboring sovereignty.

However, recent data shows a far different reality of regional aggression, revealing Tehran's extensive military operations across multiple countries' airspace.

Since the conflict began, Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones across the airspace of at least ten countries in the region.

On March 14, 2026, authorities in Qatar reported intercepting two missiles over Doha, prompting emergency evacuations in the capital and raising security concerns.

This behavior exposes a stark hypocrisy: Tehran speaks of respecting sovereignty while treating neighboring skies as a corridor for military escalation.

For Gulf governments, these actions are not abstract geopolitical maneuvers but direct threats to civilian safety and regional stability.

On March 16, 2026, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting 61 drones in the eastern part of the country, highlighting the scale of the attacks.

These strikes place civilian populations at immediate risk and have forced nations, including Kuwait and Bahrain, to declare force majeure on energy shipments.

Strategic de-escalation and regional reality

The appeal from Hamas is viewed by analysts as a strategic attempt to de-escalate a war rapidly outgrowing its original borders.

By urging Iran to spare neighboring states, Hamas likely aims to protect its remaining regional assets and prevent a total collapse of Gulf security.

The group also seeks to maintain diplomatic ties with Arab states like Qatar and Turkey, which host its leadership and provide critical support.

Additionally, Hamas aims to sow discord by framing the conflict as a result of "Zionist aggression" rather than Iranian expansionism, influencing regional narratives.

The human cost of this regional spread is mounting, with over 1,200 reported deaths in Iran and nearly 800 fatalities from Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively paralyzed, pushing Brent crude oil prices above $106 per barrel and disrupting global energy markets.

For the people of the Middle East, the reality is clear: Tehran's "defensive" actions are transforming cities and shipping lanes into a frontline of instability.