Mahmoud Abbas on Iran
TL;DR
Mahmoud Abbas conditionally condemns Iranian attacks on Arab states while maintaining a strategic distance from direct confrontation with Tehran.
Key Points
The Palestinian Authority condemned Iranian attacks targeting Jordan and other Arab Gulf states following military actions by Israeli and US forces in Iran in early March 2026.
The PA explicitly voiced full support for the measures taken by targeted Arab states to preserve their security and stability against Iranian aggression.
The leadership's position is rooted in aligning with the Sunni regional system, differentiating itself from Iranian-backed factions like Hamas.
Summary
Mahmoud Abbas, as the Palestinian Authority President, has adopted a carefully calibrated position toward Iran, prioritizing alignment with Sunni Arab states that oppose Tehran’s regional actions. Following Iranian military actions, the PA officially expressed solidarity with fellow Arab peoples and states whose sovereignty was undermined by the attacks, explicitly condemning Iran for violating international law and the UN Charter. This stance reflects the PA's long-standing desire to be seen as part of the broader Sunni regional bloc, particularly in relation to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, and serves to differentiate the PA from Iranian proxies like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
However, the leadership's response to the conflict is marked by a notable restraint regarding Israeli or American actions against Iran. While condemning Iranian aggression against neighbors, the PA has avoided overtly supporting the military operations against the Islamic Republic, preferring to call for de-escalation and dialogue. This cautious diplomacy is driven by political self-preservation, as internal Palestinian rivals like Hamas depend heavily on Iranian backing. Furthermore, some PA officials privately believe a weakened Iran might actually decrease the chances for Palestinian statehood, suggesting a complex calculation that tempers any open hostility toward Tehran.
Key Quotes
The State of Palestine strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq, stressing its full rejection of any violation of their sovereignty or aggression against them by any party.
“We emphasize the full support of the state of Palestine for the measures taken by these states to preserve their security and stability,” the statement said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mahmoud Abbas condemned the Iranian attacks targeting Arab nations such as Jordan, reaffirming the Palestinian rejection of any assault that undermines their sovereignty. The PA stressed its solidarity with these fellow Arab peoples and states in early March 2026.
The Palestinian Authority, under Mahmoud Abbas, has not issued any public condemnation of the Israeli-American operations against Iran. Instead, the official stance echoed that of Sunni Arab governments by calling for regional de-escalation.
The cautious position stems from balancing condemnation of Iranian regional destabilization with the need to maintain functional relations, as Iran is the primary backer of Palestinian rivals like Hamas. Some officials also fear an Israeli victory over Iran could harm prospects for Palestinian statehood.
Sources5
Abbas says Palestinians stand in solidarity with Jordan amid US-Iran tensions
The Palestinian Authority Condemns Iran's Attacks on Arab States — But Not Israel
Palestinians divided after Israel-US strike on Iran | The Jerusalem Post
Iran's strategic blunder is reshaping the Middle East - JNS.org
Ramallah's Deafening Silence Ignores the Iranian People
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.