The spectrum
The same group can move between these positions over time. Treating "proxy" as a single category obscures the actual range.
- Ideologically aligned. Shares Iran's broad regional orientation but operates with substantial autonomy.
- Materially supported. Receives weapons, training, or funding from Iran, with operational decisions still made locally.
- Operationally coordinated. Tactical operations are deconflicted with or directed by IRGC-Quds Force.
- Embedded. Iranian advisors and IRGC operatives are present inside the partner's command structure.
The main partners
- Hezbollah (Lebanon) — the closest operational relationship; near-treaty alignment.
- Houthis (Yemen) — Iran-aligned with substantial operational independence; the Red Sea campaign is largely Houthi decision-making.
- Iraqi militias under the PMF umbrella — varied alignment from Iran-aligned to Iran-directed depending on the group.
- Syrian state and Syria-based armed actors — alignment varies; Iranian advisors have been present throughout the post-2011 conflict.
- Palestinian groups — Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have received Iranian support to varying degrees over decades, with the relationship publicly framed differently by different parties.
Attribution under uncertainty
When a group claims an attack, attribution to Iran requires evidence about the chain of decision — not just shared ideology or weapons origin. Iranian-made weapons in a partner's arsenal does not equal Iranian direction of a specific operation. Strong reporting makes this distinction; weak reporting collapses it.