The leader of Palestinian Hamas has written to the Islamic Republic Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to thank him for “the excellent reception” he offered a delegation visiting Iran and for his "extensive" support.

Khamenei;s official website reported that Ismail Haniyah in a letter to the Supreme Leader has also expressed “his utter joy” for “Iran’s readiness to equip the resistance for whatever it needs to discharge its duty” and has added, “I thank God for your presence”.

Iran and its allies in the region use "resistance" as a term for all anti-Israeli and anti-US forces and activities.

Haniya has also expressed his gratitude “for assistance, special and extensive support” of the Islamic Republic and especially Khamenei’s recent statements of support that “has opened new horizons” for Hamas.

After years of relatively cold relations with Hamas, a palestinain delegation visited Tehran in July, led by Salih al-Arouri, the deputy chairman of the political office of Palestinian group Hamas and met with Khamenei.

Two weeks after the visit, reports in Israel quoting unnamed government sources said Iran has increased its usual annual $100 million aide to Hamas to $360 million According to these reports, Iran has asked Hamas to provide Tehran with information about Israel's missile capabilities.

Iran's support for organizations such as Hamas and the Lebanese Hezbollah is a major reason why President Donald Trump has confronted Tehran and has been demanding a change of behavior by the Islamic Republic.