Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has denied claims that groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Huthi rebels in Yemen act as Tehran's proxies, insisting they fight based on their own beliefs. Speaking to a group of visitors in Tehran, Khamenei emphasized that these militant groups are not influenced by Iran’s direction, and he warned that should Iran decide to take action in the future, it would not need to rely on proxy forces.

"The Islamic Republic does not have a proxy force," Khamenei stated. "Yemen fights because it has faith, Hezbollah fights because of its own belief, and Hamas and Islamic Jihad fight because their beliefs compel them to do so. They do not act as our proxy."

Khamenei’s remarks come at a time of significant regional tension, following a year in which Iran-backed Hezbollah and Hamas suffered heavy losses in their battles against Israel. These developments are also compounded by the recent fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a long-time ally of Iran, who had played a central role in Iran’s regional strategy, particularly in facilitating weapons supplies to Hezbollah.

The "axis of resistance," a coalition that includes Hezbollah, Hamas, the Huthis, and smaller Shia militia groups, has historically united in its opposition to Israel and its main backer, the United States. Despite these alliances, Khamenei was firm in asserting that these groups are not proxies, but rather independent forces driven by their own ideologies.

Khamenei also addressed the shifting political landscape in Syria, where the fall of Assad's regime could disrupt the long-standing ties with Iran. He expressed hope for a "strong, honorable group" to emerge in Syria, predicting that the country’s youth, facing instability and insecurity, would rise to challenge foreign influences and those responsible for their hardships.

In his speech, Khamenei further accused the United States of attempting to destabilize Iran, stating that the Iranian nation would "trample under its strong feet" anyone who accepts a mercenary role in supporting American interests.

As tensions continue to rise in the region, Khamenei’s comments underscore Iran’s commitment to its regional strategy while asserting that Tehran’s actions are not contingent on outside groups or proxies.