ABSTRACT
Since the 2011 uprising in Syria, Hamas has been at odds with its traditional supporter, the Islamic Republic of Iran, as they supported opposing sides. Although Hamas turned its back on Iran and Syria, Tehran did not alter its policies towards the Palestinian cause. The fall of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and the failure of anti-Assad forces in removing the regime of Bashar al-Assad from power galvanised Hamas to review its relations with Iran. The present chapter endeavours to take a close look at the events surrounding Hamas and Iran in the aftermath of 2011, and it argues that Iran’s alliance with Hamas is rather more tactical than ideological. It also concludes that the Iranian leadership continues its pro-Palestinian rhetoric as part of its grand-strategic preferences and it still aims to consolidate its position within the Muslim world as a hegemonic power.
