Ismail Baqaei, the spokesperson of the Islamic Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Wednesday, 18 Shahrivar, in reaction to remarks by Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, that Yemen’s Houthis are “independent players” who make their own decisions and do not take orders from anyone.

On the X social network, Baqaei wrote, calling Rubio’s comments “lies”: “Ansarallah is an independent actor in Yemen that makes its own decisions, does not take orders from anyone, and is not a proxy for any side.”

Rubio had previously described the Houthis as “in many respects acting as Iran’s agent and proxy,” and said that in some of the group’s actions, “Iran’s hand is clearly visible.” The U.S. Secretary of State also said that Washington has very powerful military and defense relations with Saudi Arabia and is closely monitoring developments related to the Houthis’ attacks.

The remarks came after the Houthis’ attacks on Saudi Arabia, which left at least 73 people injured. Reuters also reported on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia had sent a message to the Islamic Republic via Pakistan and asked Tehran to use its influence to stop the Houthis’ attacks.