Iranian Supreme Leader Ali khamenei has blamed Israel and the United States for the downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Speaking to a gathering of supporters, Khamenei asserted that the two countries orchestrated Assad’s collapse, presenting what he claimed was “evidence” to support his allegations. This marked Khamenei’s first public statement on Syria since the dramatic overthrow of Assad’s government by a jihadist-led rebel coalition last Sunday, following a swift two-week offensive that shattered years of stalemate in a conflict that has raged for over a decade.
Khamenei also suggested that a neighboring country, likely referring to Turkey, played a role in the anti-government offensive.However, he insisted that the United States and Israel were the primary masterminds behind the events. Turkish officials have vehemently denied involvement in the offensive. Analysts,though,contend that the rebel offensive would have been unfeasible without Turkish acquiescence.
According to Khamenei, the various interveners in Syria are driven by different motives.He claimed that some sought to seize control of territory in northern or southern Syria, while the United States aimed to strengthen its regional presence.
He highlighted the presence of Turkish forces in northern Syria and the Israeli army’s incursion into a buffer zone east of the Golan Heights. Khamenei asserted that the US, which also maintains troops in Syria supporting kurdish forces, would ultimately be expelled from the region by the so-called Axis of Resistance, a term used to describe iran and its regional allies.
Footage of Khamenei’s speech showed members of the segregated audience raising their fists and chanting “Death to America! Death to Israel!”
The toppled Assad, who has since fled to Moscow, was a crucial ally of Iran, and Syria served as a vital conduit for Iran’s supply of weapons to its proxy forces throughout the region.
One of those proxies is Hezbollah in Lebanon. Following over a year of daily cross-border attacks by Hezbollah in support of their allies hamas in Gaza, also backed by Iran, Israel and Hezbollah entered a fragile ceasefire last month.
In his speech, Khamenei claimed that Hezbollah had inflicted a “harsh slap” on Israel, forcing the Jewish state into the ceasefire. However, the ceasefire came after thousands of Hezbollah fighters were killed, its senior leadership decimated, and most of its weaponry destroyed.
Hezbollah’s weakening during the conflict with Israel is also cited as a contributing factor to the success of the Syrian rebels, a coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Sunni jihadist group with origins in al-Qaeda.
Besides fighting the Assad regime, HTS has also clashed with US-backed Kurdish-led forces in other areas of Syria.Despite these factional differences, Khamenei stated that Iran expects to maintain “kind” relations with Syria, citing their long history.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the new Syrian government that any attempt to allow Iran to re-establish itself in Syria, or the transfer of Iranian weapons or any other weaponry to Hezbollah, or any attack against Israel, would be met with a forceful Israeli response.
Khamenei dismissed the notion that a weakening of the resistance would also weaken Iran, asserting that “with the help of God, Iran is strong and powerful and will only grow more powerful.”
He emphasized that the “resistance” would only gain strength in the face of pressure, vowing that its influence would expand further throughout the region.
How does TurkeyS involvement in Syria affect the balance of power in the region according to Dr. Amir Zand?
Interview with Middle East Expert Dr. Amir Zand on Khamenei’s Accusations and the Implications for Syria
Time.news Editor: thank you for joining us, Dr. Zand. In a recent speech, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.What are your thoughts on this assertion?
Dr. Amir Zand: Thank you for having me.Khamenei’s statements reflect Iran’s deep-seated grievances against Israel and the U.S. Their involvement in regional geopolitics is undeniable, yet attributing the entirety of Assad’s downfall solely to them oversimplifies a complex situation. the rise of jihadist groups,particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham,alongside various internal factors within Syria,played pivotal roles in this upheaval.
Time.news Editor: Khamenei mentioned the involvement of a neighboring country, likely Turkey, insinuating it played a role in the anti-government offensive. How significant is Turkey’s influence in this context?
Dr. Amir Zand: Turkey’s influence has been crucial. While Turkish officials deny direct involvement, their support for opposition factions and strategic positioning in northern Syria facilitated the rebel offensive. Analysts assert that without Turkish support, the rapid success of the rebels would have been improbable. This situation underscores the competing interests of regional actors in the Syrian conflict.
time.news Editor: Khamenei delineated different motives for foreign interveners, pointing out U.S. ambitions to strengthen its regional presence. Coudl you elaborate on this?
Dr. Amir Zand: Certainly. The U.S. presence in Syria has primarily aimed at combating ISIS and supporting Kurdish forces. However, it also serves a more strategic purpose: curtailing Iranian influence by backing opposition groups. This creates a tug-of-war dynamic where various nations vie for control and influence over Syrian territory, complicating the already intricate regional landscape.
time.news Editor: In his speech, Khamenei stated that Iran would expect to maintain ”kind” relations with Syria despite Assad’s ousting. What does this mean for future Iranian-Syrian relations?
Dr.Amir Zand: Iran’s relationship with syria has always been symbiotic, primarily revolving around military and logistical support for Hezbollah and other groups. Nonetheless of who holds power in Damascus, Iran is likely to continue seeking influence, albeit with adjustments to its approach, depending on the new regime’s outlook.Maintaining relations is vital for Iran’s broader objectives in the region.
Time.news Editor: Khamenei claimed that Hezbollah inflicted a ”harsh slap” on Israel, but analysts suggest Hezbollah is weakened after recent conflicts. How do you interpret this juxtaposition?
Dr. Amir Zand: this is a critical point. While hezbollah has indeed faced significant losses, Khamenei’s rhetoric serves a dual purpose: bolstering morale among supporters and deflecting attention from Hezbollah’s vulnerabilities. The reality on the ground, however, suggests that Hezbollah’s reduced strength may limit its ability to exert influence in both Syria and Lebanon.
Time.news Editor: What should we anticipate in the wake of Khamenei’s speech regarding regional dynamics and potential conflicts?
Dr.Amir Zand: Khamenei’s assertions could heighten tensions, particularly between Iran and its adversaries, including Israel and the U.S. We may see increased proxy conflicts, especially in areas where Iranian interests collide with those of the U.S. and Israel. The volatile mix of alliances and animosities in the region means we are unlikely to see stability anytime soon without major diplomatic efforts.
Time.news Editor: what practical advice would you offer to readers aiming to understand the implications of these geopolitical developments?
Dr. Amir Zand: Staying informed is key. Following reliable news sources and expert analyses will provide more nuanced insights into these issues. Additionally, understanding the past context—especially the role of foreign interventions and regional rivalries—will enhance comprehension of ongoing conflicts. Lastly, considering the humanitarian impact of these political maneuvers is essential for a well-rounded outlook.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Zand, for sharing your insights on such a complex and important topic.
Dr. Amir Zand: Thank you for the chance to discuss these critical issues.
