Iran is alarmed by the advancements of Syrian opposition groups, particularly HTS, in Idlib, claiming coordination between the US, Israel, and these terrorist groups aimed at destabilizing Syria. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested that the timing of HTS’s attacks was deliberate, coinciding with a recent ceasefire in Lebanon. Iran seeks to use the current situation to undermine US forces in eastern Syria and strengthen its alliances with Turkey and Russia as it pledges support for the Assad regime.
In recent weeks, Iran has expressed serious alarm regarding the advances made by Syrian opposition forces, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in Idlib province. Following a rapid series of victories, including the capture of Aleppo, HTS posed a significant threat to Syrian regime control, thereby prompting Iran’s urgent call for support to bolster the regime. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have asserted that the apparent coordination among the United States, Israel, and rebel groups constitutes a deliberate effort to destabilize Syria. They cite the timing of HTS’s attacks shortly after a ceasefire in Lebanon as evidence of this coordination. While Iran suggests that the HTS offensive was a well-orchestrated plot backed by the US and Israel, there is a notable lack of evidence supporting these claims. On the contrary, instability in Syria may provoke concerns for Israel, especially in light of potential power vacuums that could benefit Iranian-backed factions. Meanwhile, Iran’s narrative serves a dual purpose: to justify its military interventions and to secure alliances with countries like Turkey and Russia. As Iran seeks to leverage the chaos to weaken US presence in eastern Syria, it aims to align with Turkish interests against Kurdish forces. Araghchi underscored Iran’s staunch commitment to the Syrian government during discussions with President Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing that Iran stands ready to support Assad as it hopes to reinitiate dialogues within the Astana process with Turkey and Russia.
This developing situation underscores Iran’s strategy of portraying external conspiracies as a means to justify its actions in Syria and to galvanize support from key regional allies.
Despite the volatility, Iran remains resolute in its alliance with the Syrian regime, thereby solidifying its influence in the ongoing conflict.
The ongoing Syrian conflict has witnessed fluctuating dynamics, significantly influenced by various regional and international actors. Iran, a staunch ally of the Syrian regime, has consistently sought to mollify threats from opposition forces and foreign interventions, particularly those from the US and Israel. The recent gains by HTS in Idlib province posed a critical challenge to the Assad regime’s stability. Iran’s perception of external threats feeds its narrative and shapes its responses, prompting both military and political maneuvers to counter perceived foes. The interplay of ceasefires, opposition advances, and broader geopolitical concerns complicates the landscape, dictating the patterns of alliances among Iran, Turkey, and Russia.
In conclusion, Iran’s claims linking the US and Israel to the recent escalations in Syria represent a concerted effort to maintain its regional influence and protect the Assad government. By framing the situation as a conspiracy, Iran seeks to rally support from allies while justifying its own military involvement. The complex dynamics of the Syrian conflict continue to unfold, highlighting the critical importance of understanding the motivations and relationships among the key players involved in this protracted struggle.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
