February 21, 2025
Iran has ordered its proxy forces across the Middle East to exercise caution as the Islamic Republic fears an existential threat following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, The Telegraph of London has reported. Iranian officials told commanders of Iran-backed militias to avoid provocative actions that could escalate regional tensions.
Commanders have also been instructed to maintain defensive positions while avoiding any actions that could be interpreted as aggressive by US forces or regional allies. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenehi even appeared to be wearing a flak jacket at the funeral of two judges, reportedly over fear of an attack. With his robes bulging at unusual angles, Khamenei was pictured standing over the coffins of the men.
“Forces and allies in the region have been instructed to act with caution as [the regime] feels an existential threat with Trump’s return,” one senior Iranian official told The Telegraph of London from Tehran. “In Iraq and Yemen, forces have been told not to target any American assets, and, if they do, they are explicitly warned against using Iranian weapons,” the official added.
“They have been told to keep defensive positions for a while and to avoid any actions that might provoke the Americans.” “The fall of [Syria’s Bashar al-]Assad has intensified fears [in the regime],” the official said. “There are now fears they may not be able to hold onto the country after witnessing what happened to Assad, which no one here expected.”
