Iranian President Supports Palestinian Leader's Decision on Gaza Talks

JAKARTA - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian promised to support any steps taken by Palestinian leaders in conversations with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, amid talks on a lasting peace deal in Gaza.

In a telephone conversation with al-Hayya, the head of Hamas' political bureau, Pezeshkian praised the official's role and leadership in coordinating Palestinian factions, Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported on Wednesday, August 5.

"Iran supports any step, initiative, or decision taken by the Palestinian leadership during the negotiation process," Pezeshkian said, quoted by CNN.

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a historic deal to ensure the disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza, months after Trump first announced a US-brokered ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.

Hamas said it would only carry out the deal if Israel stopped its attacks on Gaza and withdrew its forces back to the "yellow line," as set out in an October ceasefire deal.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said he was still studying the deal.

"We are studying it. They have sent us a draft. We have not agreed to anything," he said.