"Iran Urges Proxies to Avoid Provoking U.S. to Prevent Wider War"

Iran is privately urging its proxy forces, including Hezbollah and other armed groups, to exercise restraint against U.S. forces in the Middle East, as it seeks to disrupt U.S. and Israeli interests while avoiding direct confrontation. Despite public warnings of military readiness, Iran is privately cautioning its proxies to avoid provoking the U.S., with some effect seen in a lull of attacks on U.S. forces. The Biden administration has similarly taken a cautious approach, targeting Iranian proxies in recent strikes but not striking inside Iran. Iran's efforts to prevent escalation and maintain influence over its allied militias in the region have been met with some success, but the situation remains delicate as the conflict in Gaza continues to impact the dynamics in the Middle East.