Iran's ability to hit back at US may be limited as proxy militias send mixed signals

Iran's proxy militias across the Middle East have yet to retaliate for the overnight strikes against the Islamic Republic and are sending mixed signals about their willingness to strike United States targets - or even Israel - in the coming days.

- Jason Burke

The apparent reluctance or inability of such groups to come to Iran's aid will limit Tehran's options if decision-makers there choose to hit back at the US immediately.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned the US yesterday in a statement carried by state TV to "expect regrettable responses" to its strikes on the country's nuclear sites.

Iran, it said, would "use options beyond the understanding... of the aggressor front" and would continue to target Israel, which has been hit by multiple waves of missile and drone attacks since it struck Iran on 13 June.

Yesterday a new wave of Iranian missiles launched in a first response to the US strikes hit sites in central Israel, injuring at least 10 people, according to Israeli rescue services.

The strongest statement in support of Tehran from the militant groups that make up its coalition of proxies across the Middle East - the so-called axis of resistance - has come from the political bureau of the Houthi movement in Yemen.

The Iran-backed group called on Muslim nations to join "the jihad and resistance option as one front against the Zionist-American arrogance", saying it was ready to target US ships and warships in the Red Sea.

The Houthis have already fought American forces in recent months, after the US president, Donald Trump, launched an air offensive against the group following months of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and against Israel. A ceasefire was agreed in May.