Since Reformist-backed Hassan Rouhani was elected as Iran’s new president in mid-June, there has been much speculation as to the future of the relationship binding the Islamic Republic with the Islamist movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Until very recently, Iran had been the main financial and military benefactor of the Islamist movement and its government, which has been in control of the Gaza Strip since 2007. Relations were dealt a huge blow, however, over their disagreements on the Syrian crisis. Iran has since significantly cut funding to Hamas.