Iran’s Proxies Are Out for Themselves for Now
Foreign Policy
by Anchal VohraMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran’s proxies, long seen as a formidable force in the region, have mostly remained quiet despite recent Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran. While there were fears that these militias would unleash chaos across the Middle East, their response has been limited, reflecting a gap between their rhetoric and actual capabilities. Groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran-backed Iraqi militias, and the Houthis in Yemen have expressed strong rhetorical support for Iran but have not acted with the intensity or scale many expected. This silence underscores the constraints these groups face, including domestic pressures, lack of resources, and advanced U.S. and Israeli military capabilities.
Hezbollah, once considered a key defender of Iran, has seen its strength eroded over years of Israeli airstrikes. While it launched rocket attacks against Israel following recent strikes on Iran, the scale was limited and appeared more symbolic than strategically significant. Similarly, Iraqi militias have shown willingness to defend Iran but face political and logistical challenges in mounting effective operations. The Houthis in Yemen also hinted at resuming attacks but have not followed through, likely due to internal divisions and external pressure.
This relative inaction highlights how Iran’s proxies are increasingly constrained by both internal dynamics and the overwhelming military superiority of U.S. and Israeli forces. Their ability to project power is limited, making their support for Iran more symbolic than practical. This matters because it challenges assumptions about Iran’s regional influence and raises questions about its vulnerability in the face of direct attacks. The quiet response from these groups signals a shift in the balance of power and could have significant implications for regional stability and U.S.-Iran tensions.
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 3/2/2026