Tehran, Feb 09 (V7N) – Top leaders of Hamas, the Palestinian independence group, met with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Saturday. The delegation, led by Hamas' acting chief Khalil al-Hayya, included two other senior officials.

During the meeting, Khamenei praised Hamas for what he described as a defeat of the Zionist regime, stating that it also signified a setback for the United States. He commended Hamas leaders for preventing both Israel and the U.S. from achieving their objectives in the region.

According to Iranian state television, the Palestinian leaders visited Tehran to congratulate Khamenei on the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution and to express gratitude for Iran's continued support for the Palestinian cause.

While in Tehran, the delegation also met with Iranian President Masoud Pjeskian and senior Hamas leader Mohammad Darwish. During these discussions, the Iranian president reiterated his country's unwavering support for Hamas.

Iranian media quoted Khalil al-Hayya as saying, "I came to meet you (Khamenei) with my head held high." Addressing threats from the United States, Khamenei emphasized that Washington's warnings would not influence the Iranian people's resolve.

END/RH/AJ