Iran Says It Empowers Palestinian Fighters For Operations Against Israel

The Iranian mission to the United Nations has acknowledged that Tehran has provided Palestinian fighters with the necessary skills to carry out operations against Israel.

However, the mission told The Newsweek on Tuesday that Iran was not directly involved in the devastating Hamas infiltration attack that occurred over the weekend.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, praising the Hamas attack, has denied Tehran's involvement. Over 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians were killed, and the operation has led to a significant Israeli military response in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians.

On Tuesday, the Iranian mission to the UN echoed Khamenei's statements while recognizing that Tehran has empowered Palestinian armed groups to launch attacks against Israel. The mission stated,” We have supported Palestinian fighters in acquiring fishing skills…They independently determine when, where, and how to engage in fishing according to their very own needs and interests."

The mission alleged that reports of direct Iranian involvement are intended to identify "a scapegoat to shift the blame.".

Khamenei mentioned on Tuesday that Israel and its supporters have been spreading rumors, including the claim that Islamic Iran was behind the action, which he refuted.

Hamas initially confirmed direct support from Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah for its infiltration attack but later revised its statement to suggest broader backing from Tehran, though not direct operational assistance. Both US and Israeli officials have also stated that so far there is no evidence of Iran taking an active role in the attack.