Iran Congratulates Hamas Leader Khalil al-Hayyah on Election

Hamas has elected Khalil al-Hayyah as the new head of its political bureau, succeeding Yahya al-Sinwar. The internal ballot saw Al-Hayyah secure 35 votes, narrowly defeating Khaled Meshaal, who received 34. Al-Hayyah, who is based in Qatar, is described as one of the movement's most experienced negotiators and is noted for his ties to Iran. He previously survived an Israeli raid in Qatar. The leadership contest began in May and follows the deaths of Sinwar, who was killed in combat in Rafah in 2024, and Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran in July 2024. Following Sinwar's death, Hamas had relied on a five-member interim council led by Mohammed Darwish to manage its political affairs and oversee negotiations. In an effort to disrupt ceasefire talks, Israel reportedly attempted to assassinate Al-Hayyah and the Palestinian negotiating team in Qatar in September 2025. In response to the election, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi congratulated Al-Hayyah, reaffirming Iran's support for the Palestinian people's struggle against occupation.