Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on December 11 gave his first speech about Syria since Bashar al-Assad was ousted from the presidency and flown to Russia.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei speaks in Tehran in a photo published on December 11
“It is clear that what happened in Syria was a joint plan of the US and the Zionist regime (meaning Israel). A neighboring Syrian government has also been playing a clear role in this. All Everyone sees this, but the mastermind and command center are in America and the Zionist regime,” Iranian media quoted Khamenei as saying, adding that he had clear evidence.
Although the leader did not specify the name of the other country, Western media said that Mr. Khamenei was referring to Türkiye, Syria’s neighbor and support for opposition military forces opposing Mr. al-Assad’s government.
Türkiye controls most of northern Syria after multiple cross-border operations against the Syrian Kurdish militia group YPG. According to Reuters, Türkiye has been the main supporter of opposition groups opposing al-Assad’s government since the Syrian civil war broke out in 2011.
In his speech, Mr. Khamenei also announced that the coalition led by Iran would increase its strength in the region despite new developments. “The more pressure there is, the stronger the resistance movement becomes,” he said.
The US and Israel have not commented on the Iranian leader’s statement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to go to Ankara on December 13 to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the situation in Syria, according to Reuters.
Iran supports Mr. al-Assad’s government and has deployed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to Syria to protect its allies. Hours after the fall of al-Assad’s government, Iran said it hopes to maintain relations with Syria based on a farsighted and wise approach, calling on the new administration to ensure inclusiveness, representing all social sectors.
Syrian interim Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir, who is supported by the new force controlling the government in Damascus, on December 11 called on Syrian refugees abroad to return home.
“Syria is now a free country that has won pride and honor. Return,” Mr. al-Bashir told the daily. Corriere della Sera of Italy, committed to ensuring the rights of all people and sects in Syria.
