Khamenei Blames US and Allies for Assad's Ouster: A Shift in the Regional Balance?
In his first public commentary since the sudden ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has leveled severe accusations against the United States and Israel, alleging that they orchestrated the recent rebel uprising that led to the regime's downfall over the weekend. Speaking on December 11, Khamenei explicitly asserted that what transpired in Syria should not be construed as anything other than a collaborative effort by American and Zionist forces.
"It should not be doubted that what happened in Syria was the product of a joint American and Zionist plot," Khamenei declared, emphasizing that while neighboring Turkey played a significant role in the swift advancements of Syrian rebels reaching Damascus, the true masterminds behind the operation were based in the United States and Israel.
This insurgency, led primarily by the US-designated terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied groups connected to Turkey, captured Assad's stronghold on December 8, marking a critical turning point less than two weeks after initiating their offensive.
Historically, Syria has been a vital component for Iran, facilitating a land corridor connecting the Islamic Republic to the Levant. This corridor has been seen as the logistical backbone for what is termed the 'axis of resistance,' a loosely aligned network of regional allies and proxies. In previous years, Iran has invested billions of dollars into military support and advisors to preserve Assad’s regime during the civil war erupting in 2011.
The situation has grown even more complex as Russia, which has recently provided political asylum to the ousted Assad, backed him during the conflict, while Turkey has been a supporter of the rebel factions. A past advisor to Khamenei had notably referred to Syria as the 'golden ring' in the chain linking Iran with Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, with the loss of this strategic territory and the degradation of Hezbollah's capabilities following sustained conflict with Israel, experts are expressing concern over the weakened condition of this vital axis.
In his remarks, Khamenei dismissed views suggesting that the axis of resistance had become significantly weakened, labeling such opinions as belonging to "ignorant and uninformed analysts." Khamenei confidently stated that the reach of this axis will expand even further across the region, signaling Iran's commitment to regain its influence despite recent setbacks.
As regional dynamics shift following Assad's ousting, the consequences may have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the Middle East and Iran’s role within it. The tension between Iran, Turkey, the US, and Israel is likely to intensify as these powers navigate the evolving political landscape in Syria.
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