Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei issued a formal denial this week regarding the long-standing international allegation that the Houthi movement in Yemen operates as a proxy force for Tehran. Baghaei’s comments were directed at U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom he accused of misrepresenting the nature of the relationship between Iran and the Houthi rebels.

In a statement posted to the social media platform X, Baghaei characterized the Houthis as independent actors, asserting that their decisions and military actions are not dictated by the Iranian government. He argued that the primary source of conflict and instability in the Middle East is not Iranian influence, but rather U.S. military intervention and what he described as "hegemonic policies." Baghaei challenged the United States to cease its regional involvement, suggesting that such a withdrawal would be the most effective path toward achieving peace.

While the Iranian government maintains that the Houthis act autonomously, Western governments and various intelligence agencies have historically alleged that Iran provides the group with significant financial, logistical, and military support, including advanced weaponry. The current exchange highlights the ongoing diplomatic friction between Washington and Tehran regarding the security of maritime routes and regional conflicts. The U.S. State Department has not yet issued a detailed rebuttal to Baghaei’s specific remarks, though the administration continues to categorize the Houthis as a destabilizing force supported by Iranian resources.