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Summary of Article: Latest Developments in Iran’s Foreign Policy and Support for Proxies

Latest Developments:

• Hamas-Iran Relations: On July 14, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh thanked Iran for its support in a phone call with Iran’s President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian. Haniyeh urged continued political and diplomatic efforts to counter Israeli actions. Pezeshkian had previously pledged comprehensive support for Palestinians.
• Houthi Rebels: Pezeshkian also communicated with Mahdi al-Mashat, a leader of the Houthi rebels in Yemen. He praised Yemen’s military operations against Israel-linked ships and promised to strengthen ties with the Houthis.
  Expert Analysis:
• Continuation of Support for Terrorist Groups: Analysts like Seth J. Frantzman and Saeed Ghasseminejad suggest Pezeshkian will maintain Iran’s policy of supporting terrorist groups in the Middle East, including Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah. They argue that Pezeshkian is not a moderate reformist but continues Iran’s hardline stance.
  Iran’s President Reaffirms Support for Proxies:
• Support for Hezbollah: Pezeshkian sent a message to Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah reaffirming Iran’s support against Israel, rooted in the policies of the Islamic Republic.
• Alliances with China and Russia: He praised China and Russia for their support and criticized the United States, emphasizing the importance of strategic alliances.
• Support for Syria: Pezeshkian reassured Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of continued Iranian support.
  Additional Notes:
• Iran’s Actions in the Region: The article highlights threats from Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah and Iran’s support for pro-Hamas protests in the U.S., along with the Houthis’ continued targeting of commercial shipping.
  Overall, the article underscores Iran’s ongoing commitment to supporting militant groups and maintaining a confrontational stance against Israel and the West under its new president-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian.