In the wake of major U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in mid-June 2025, one outcome has gone largely unnoticed: silence. Iran’s main proxy groups—Hezbollah, the Houthis, Hamas, and Iraqi militias—have refrained from retaliatory action. This lull marks a rare and unexpected shift in behavior across multiple fronts.
A Timeline of Inaction
What makes this moment especially noteworthy is the total absence of the expected chain reaction. Here’s a breakdown of how the usually reactive proxies have stayed quiet.
- June 12: U.S. B-2 bombers strike Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan with Israeli coordination.
- June 13–22: Hezbollah remains publicly inactive on the northern border with Israel.
- June 14: Houthi drone and missile launches fall dramatically.
- June 15: Hamas, still reeling from previous operations, issues only rhetorical responses.
- June 16: Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) stay on standby but take no action.
A Break from Past Patterns
In prior escalations, Iran’s proxies responded within hours or days. After Soleimani’s death in 2020, Iraq-based militias launched rockets. During the 2021 Gaza conflict, Hezbollah sent drones. This time, across four fronts, the response has been: silence.
Tactical Shift or Temporary Pause?
Military analysts are split. Some suggest Iran is recalibrating its deterrence doctrine, while others believe logistical or operational exhaustion is at play. Whatever the reason, the change is tangible—and worth tracking.
For Strategic Implications → Read More
Looking to understand what this might mean for the future of Iranian influence?
Read our strategic breakdown: The Silence of the Proxies – Why Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” Is Holding Back
Sources
- Wall Street Journal – “Why Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ Is Missing in Action“
- New York Post – “Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ are abandoning the Islamic Republic“
- Washington Post – “With ally Iran under attack, Hezbollah stays out of the fray for now“
- Reuters – “How Iran’s network of Middle East power faded“
- Associated Press – “Why are some key Tehran allies staying out of the Israel-Iran conflict?“
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