Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei Denies Proxy in the Region

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed allegations that the country relies on proxy forces to exert influence in the Middle East. Speaking in Tehran to a gathering of elegists and eulogists, Khamenei firmly stated, “If one day we want to take action, we do not need a proxy force.”

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s remarks follow repeated accusations by Western powers that Iran supports groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad to advance its geopolitical agenda. The leader countered that these groups act out of their own beliefs and are not under Iran’s command.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the United States and Israel of destabilizing Syria and overstating their successes in the region. He dismissed Israeli military advancements, saying, “Advancing a few kilometers in Syria where there wasn’t even one soldier to stop you is not a victory.”

The leader also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, questioning its effectiveness against Hamas and other Palestinian groups. “You Zionists haven’t won; you’ve been defeated,” Khamenei proclaimed, adding that Iran remains resolute despite external pressures.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s statements come as Iran faces growing international scrutiny over its regional activities. Critics argue that Tehran’s involvement in conflicts across the Middle East exacerbates instability, while Iranian officials maintain their actions are defensive and aligned with shared religious and ideological goals.