Hamas urges key ally Iran to halt attacks on Gulf states

The Palestinian group also affirms Tehran's right to defend itself from "aggression" by the US and Israel.

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The Tehran-backed group urged its "brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries", saying in a statement that all regional nations should co-operate "to preserve the bonds of brotherhood".

At the same time, Hamas, which runs Gaza, affirmed Tehran's right to defend itself against attacks by the US and Israel, which are continuing to strike Iran.

The Iranian authorities have said their own retaliatory strikes target "American installations" on Gulf soil rather than the neighbours themselves - but many attacks have hit civilian infrastructure.

Hamas said on Saturday that it had been following the war in the region with "deep concern".