Iran's president-elect pledges support for Hamas until 'liberation of Quds'

Iran's president-elect reiterated on Wednesday his support for Tehran-backed groups fighting Israel, a move that once again signals Iran's major policies are dictated by the Supreme Leader, leaving presidents with little room for change.

While President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has never identified himself as a reformist nor officially belonged to any reformist faction, Western media reports have in recent days introduced him as a "reformist" or "moderate".

However, Pezeshkian has time and again announced, and proved in action, that he implements the policies set by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, including the policy of supporting the anti-Israel "Resistance Front", as demonstrated in his correspondence with the leaders of Iran's proxy groups over the past few days.

Pezeshkian said in a Wednesday message to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh that the Islamic Republic will continue its "comprehensive support for the oppressed people of Palestine until all their aspirations and rights are realized and Al-Quds (Jerusalem) is liberated.”

He had earlier conveyed similar messages to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah.

Iran will continue to support the Axis of Resistance "with strength", Pezeshkian said in a Monday letter to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah amid rising tensions between Lebanon and Israel. "The Islamic Republic has always supported the resistance against Israel," Pezeshkian said. "Support for the resistance is rooted in the fundamental policies of the Islamic Republic, the ideals of Imam [Khomeini], and the guidance of [Ayatollah] Khamenei, and it will continue with strength."

Nasrallah on Wednesday praised Pezeshkian for expressing his unwavering support for the Lebanese group, saying, “The Iranian president-elect confirmed that the Resistance Front is strong and solid and will continue treading on this path until victory."

The "Resistance" refers to the alliance of armed militant groups sponsored by Iran, including Hezbollah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Houthis in Yemen, and Iraqi Shiite militias.