During a wide-ranging interview with Fox News, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the role of Iran in regional conflicts, specifically regarding the Houthi movement in Yemen. Pezeshkian explicitly denied that Tehran directs Houthi military strategy, stating that the group acts on its own initiative. He described the Houthis as a resistance force responding to the specific situations imposed upon them, rather than as proxies taking direct orders from the Iranian government.

Regarding the broader tensions between Tehran and Washington, Pezeshkian expressed a desire to move away from conflict. He argued that international issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than violence. However, he placed the burden of de-escalation squarely on the United States. According to Pezeshkian, the current state of conflict has been forced upon Iran due to what he characterized as "instigations" by Israel. He maintained that while Iran does not wish to continue the hostilities, it is ultimately up to the American government to decide whether to bring the conflict to an end.

The president's comments come at a time of heightened regional instability, with various groups across the Middle East engaged in active conflict. By framing the Houthis as autonomous actors and the U.S. as the primary decision-maker regarding the future of the conflict, Pezeshkian’s remarks represent a shift in how Iran positions itself in relation to its regional allies and its primary Western adversary.