Official U.S. Department of Defense announcements or verified news reports

Iran Orders Proxies to Avoid Provocations, Maintain Defensive Positions Amid Trump’s Return

Jan 26, 2025, 12:30 PM

Iran has instructed its proxy forces and regional allies across the Middle East to act with caution, fearing an existential threat following Donald Trump’s return to the White House. According to a senior Iranian official cited by The Telegraph, Tehran has directed these groups to avoid any provocative actions that could escalate tensions with the United States or its allies. Specific instructions include refraining from targeting American assets, particularly in Iraq and Yemen, avoiding the use of Iranian weapons, and maintaining defensive positions. This comes as the Trump administration re-designated Yemen's Houthis as a "foreign terrorist organization," and Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein seeks to integrate Iran-backed armed factions into official security forces. The directive reflects Iran's concerns about potential U.S. policies under the Trump administration, which may include increased pressure on the Islamic Republic.