Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has forcefully rejected assertions that Iran maintains proxy forces in the Middle East, stating that “resistance groups” in the region act independently based on their own convictions.

Speaking to religious eulogists in Tehran on December 22, Khamenei directly addressed claims about Iran's regional influence amid the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria and the loss of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"They (the enemies) consistently say that the Islamic Republic has lost its regional proxies—this is yet another mistake! The Islamic Republic does not have any proxy forces," Khamenei said during the gathering, marking a holiday celebrating women.

The Supreme Leader said that groups such as Yemen's Ansurallah Houthis, Lebanon's Hezbollah, and Palestinian organisations Hamas and Islamic Jihad operate based on their own beliefs rather than Iranian direction.

"They are driven by their beliefs; they fight because of their convictions, not on our behalf," he stated.

Addressing Syria's political changes, Khamenei predicted the emergence of what he termed a "strong and honourable establishment."

He characterised US regional strategy as following two paths: either installing dictatorships or creating chaos, suggesting the latter had been attempted in Syria.

Khamenei also responded to recent US statements regarding potential support for opposition within Iran.

"The Americans, the Zionist [Israel] regime, and their allies mistakenly believe they have emerged victorious, leading them to make absurd statements," he said. He added forcefully that "the Iranian nation will trample under its strong feet anyone who assumes a mercenary role for the US in this matter."

The speech comes at a time of significant regional upheaval, with recent changes in Syria's leadership and ongoing tensions between Iran and Western powers over various regional issues.

Khamenei's remarks appeared aimed at both domestic and international audiences, asserting Iran's independence.