Iranian Establishment Divided Over Syria Amidst Assad’s Collapse

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has led to unexpected turmoil for Iran, sparking mixed reactions within the establishment. As Iranian officials reassess their foreign policy and strategy, they are divided between criticism for a lack of support during Assad’s downfall and viewing the event as a potential opportunity to redefine their regional approach. The outcome in Syria may precipitate further deteriorations in Iranian influence across the region, especially in Lebanon.

The recent collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has caused significant repercussions for Iran, leading to differing opinions within the Iranian establishment. Some officials were taken aback by the speed at which the Syrian army disintegrated, particularly following the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters. As rebel forces advanced closer to Damascus, Iranian state media’s portrayal of these groups shifted from labeling them as “terrorists” to referring to them as “armed groups.” Amidst growing concerns regarding the safety of sacred Shia shrines, Tehran received assurances from the main opposition group, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, about their protection.

Reactions within Iran have varied widely, with some hardliners criticizing the establishment for inadequately supporting Assad, while others view the regime’s downfall as a potential opportunity to reevaluate Iran’s foreign policy. A senior reformist journalist expressed that Iran’s foreign strategy had led to unproductive entanglements, asserting the importance of prioritizing national interests over religious ideologies. This sentiment reflects a larger discussion among Iranian decision-makers on how to navigate the new political landscape in Syria.

The upcoming dynamics in Syria imply that Iran may pursue its strategic goals via new alliances and proxy groups in response to the challenges posed by the new Sunni-dominated leadership. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has insisted that the fall of the Syrian government does not signify a defeat for the resistance front, forecasting continued conflicts over occupied territories.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted potential diplomatic openings emerging from regional discontent aimed at specific countries critical of political Islam. Analysts suggest that the collapse of Iranian influence in Syria could lead to further losses in Lebanon, and potentially provoke Western actions against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The recent developments imply a transformative period for Iran, wherein it must reconsider its strategies and methods of maintaining influence amidst an increasingly complex regional landscape.

The article discusses the Iranian establishment’s reaction to the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. This event has polarized opinions among Iranian officials regarding the country’s future strategy and foreign policy. As Iranian authorities grapple with the implications of Assad’s collapse, various factions within Iran are contemplating different approaches toward Syria and the broader region. The situation has further heightened tensions with Israel and the U.S., which are likely to exploit the changing dynamics to target Iranian interests.

The article elucidates the precarious position Iran finds itself in following the fall of Assad’s regime in Syria. It highlights the internal divides within the Iranian establishment as they assess strategic options moving forward. With rising pressures from both regional and international players, Iran must navigate this evolving landscape carefully to mitigate losses and maintain its influence.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net