Iran has withdrawn most of its forces from Syria following the rebels’ victory against the Assad regime, marking a significant decline in Tehran’s influence. The Iranian military, long allied with Assad, has retreated as rebels reorganize under new Sunni leadership, which opposes Iran’s presence. This transition poses challenges for Iran’s regional strategy and reduces its operational capabilities against U.S. and Israeli interests.
Recent reports indicate that Iran has largely withdrawn its forces from Syria, following a significant victory by rebel groups against the Assad regime. This development represents a considerable diminishment of Tehran’s influence in the region. Iranian military personnel, who had been allied with President Bashar al-Assad for years, have reportedly either fled or been ordered to retreat, tellingly coinciding with the rebels’ takeover of the country within an astonishing eleven days. Western and Arab officials have corroborated this summary, remarking on the deserted military equipment discovered near the Lebanese border as evidence of the Iranian retreat.
Barbara Leaf, the United States State Department’s top official for Middle Eastern affairs, confirmed the withdrawal with a succinct statement, saying, “Pretty much, yes.” Leaf characterized this historic withdrawal as “extraordinary” during her conversation with the Wall Street Journal. Previously, Syria served as Iran’s pivotal ally in the Middle East, fortifying what Tehran termed its “Axis of Resistance,” through which it positioned various proxies against U.S. and Israeli military interests.
With the Assad government now in disarray and President Assad having fled in the wake of rapid rebel advances, Iran has lost a crucial partner. The newly ascendant Sunni leadership in Syria has long opposed Tehran’s influence and that of the Assad regime. Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa highlighted the significance of their swift victory, stating that it has effectively “set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years.” It is believed that the rebels’ longstanding animosity toward Iran may inhibit the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) ability to reclaim a foothold in Syria and re-establish connections with Hezbollah, which has previously sustained heavy losses from Israeli actions.
The ramifications of the rebels’ emerging governance prompt recognition from Iranian hard-liners, some of whom are calling for a counter-revolution. On the media front, the IRGC’s Sepah News outlet has labeled Syria’s new leadership as “takfiri terrorists,” a derogatory term often associated with ISIS, while reports suggest that an uprising in Damascus is on the horizon. These instances reflect Iran’s heightened concern regarding the legitimacy and effectiveness of the new regime, especially in light of the impending return of President-elect Donald Trump, who is reportedly contemplating preemptive military action against Iran to impede its nuclear advancements.
The context surrounding the recent developments in Syria is crucial for a thorough understanding of the article. Iran has historically maintained a strategic alliance with the Assad regime, viewing it as integral to its broader aspirations in the Middle East, particularly in its contest against U.S. and Israeli interests. The Assad government has relied on Iran for military and financial support to sustain its authority throughout the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011. The recent advances by rebel groups marked a dramatic shift in the regional power dynamic, affecting Iran’s influence in Syria and its ability to coordinate with allied groups like Hezbollah.
In summary, Iran’s withdrawal from Syria signifies a critical setback for its influence in the Middle East, triggered by recent victories by rebel factions over the Assad regime. The loss of Assad as a key ally disrupts Iran’s strategic objectives and operational capabilities in the region. With a new Sunni-led government in place, it appears unlikely that Iran will regain a foothold in Syria, particularly given the rebels’ deep-seated distrust of Tehran. The evolving situation poses potential implications for broader regional stability and Iran’s military initiatives as it grapples with renewed challenges following the rebel resurgence.
Original Source: nypost.com
