Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that the US and Israel were behind the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.
It was the first time the Iranian leader addressed the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.
He asserted that there should be no doubt that “what happened in Syria is the product of a joint American and Zionist plan.”
He also appeared to point a finger of blame in the direction of Turkey.
“Yes, a neighboring government of Syria plays, has played, and is playing an obvious role in this regard – everyone sees this – but the main conspirator, mastermind, and command centre are in America and the Zionist regime.
“We have evidence. This evidence leaves no room for doubt.”
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey all share borders with Syria.
Of those neighbours, Turkey has long supported certain Syrian opposition forces.
Turkish officials have strongly rejected claims of involvement in the anti-government offensive. Analysts say, however, that the rebel offensive would have been impossible without a green light from Turkey.
Prior to Khamenei’s remarks, Iran’s Vice President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif was more explicit, saying on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, that “Turkey’s role in this matter is very clear.”
Khamenei also said that Iranian intelligence had warned the Syrian government about threats to its stability over the past three months, adding that Damascus had “neglected the enemy.”
Israel, meanwhile, has carried out hundreds of air attacks across Syria since the overthrowing of al-Assad, hitting key military sites, while its troops have moved into a demilitarised zone inside Syria, including the Syrian side of the strategic Mount Hermon that overlooks Damascus.
According to Khamenei, different “invaders” in Syria are pursuing different aims.
“Their goals are different. Some of them are seeking to seize the lands of northern or southern Syria. America is seeking to strengthen its position in the region.”
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The toppled Assad, who has since fled to Moscow, was a crucial ally of Iran, and Syria was a central throughway for the Iranian supply of weapons to its proxy forces throughout the region.
Also in his speech, Khamenei claimed Hezbollah had delivered a “harsh slap” to Israel, forcing the Jewish state into the ceasefire.
Khamenei Dismisses Suggestions Of Iran Being Weakened
Moreover, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that events in Syria would not diminish Iran’s power, dismissing suggestions that the country would be weakened as “ignorant” and arguing that resistance would grow.
“You must understand that the more pressure you put on the resistance front [to Israel], the stronger it becomes. The more crimes you commit, the more motivated it becomes.
“The more you fight it, the more it will expand. By the grace of God, the resistance will expand more than before to cover the entire region.”
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu warned the new government in Syria that “if this regime allows Iran to reestablish itself in Syria or allows the transfer of Iranian weapons or any other weapons to Hezbollah, or attacks us, we will respond forcefully and we will exact a heavy price from it.”
Despite the factional differences between Iran and the rebel groups, Khamenei said in a statement prior to his remarks that Iran expects to continue “friendly” relations with Syria, saying, “Iran and Syria have a long history, and we expect our friendly relationship to continue.”
Iran and Russia had propped up al-Assad’s rule after the eruption of war in 2011 with military and political support, as well as fighters and airpower.
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