Khamenei Denies Existence of Proxy Forces in the Middle East
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has firmly stated that Iran does not utilize proxy forces in the Middle East to target its enemies. During a recent address, Khamenei emphasized that groups such as the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine act independently based on their own beliefs and motivations. He asserted, "They say Iran has lost its proxies in the region. This is wrong," highlighting that these groups are driven by their faith rather than Iranian influence.
Khamenei's remarks come amidst ongoing tensions in the region, particularly following the recent upheaval in Syria. He accused foreign powers of exploiting Syria's internal weaknesses to create chaos, suggesting that the instability was not a result of Iranian actions but rather a manipulation by external forces. He reiterated that Iran's involvement in Syria has always been advisory and at the request of the Syrian government, reinforcing the notion that Tehran's relationship with Damascus is historically significant.
Iran's Stance on Regional Dynamics
In his statements, Khamenei also addressed the perception held by Israel and the United States regarding the so-called collapse of the resistance axis supported by Iran following the recent political changes in Syria. He argued that the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad would not diminish Iran's influence in the region, countering claims that Israel could eliminate Hezbollah through control over Syria. Khamenei stated, "The one who will be eliminated is Israel," suggesting a strong belief in the resilience of the groups aligned with Iran despite the shifting political landscape in Syria.
