Iran has accused the United States of being a major source of instability in the Middle East, rejecting allegations by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iran-backed armed groups are responsible for regional unrest.

The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, made the remarks in response to Rubio’s comments linking instability in the region to groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and armed factions operating in Iraq.

Reacting in a post on X, Baghaei dismissed Rubio’s claims, insisting that U.S. policies remain the greatest obstacle to lasting peace in the Middle East.

“No one will be fooled,” Baghaei wrote while sharing a video of Rubio’s remarks.

He argued that peace in the region would remain elusive as long as what he described as “American militarism and interventionism” continue, and as long as Israel, which he called Washington’s “occupying proxy,” is allowed to wage wars across the region.

Baghaei further accused Israel of committing genocide, terrorism, and other atrocities, alleging that U.S. support has enabled its actions.

Meanwhile, Rubio disclosed that technical-level discussions between the United States and Iran are expected to resume in Switzerland early next week as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements.

“The technical team is expected to return, I believe, on the 29th or 30th. I think they are heading back to Switzerland, if I am not mistaken,” Rubio said.