Iran’s Withdrawal from Syria Marks a Turning Point in the Region

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Iran has withdrawn nearly all of its forces from Syria following the rebels' decisive victory against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This dramatic development significantly reduces Tehran’s influence in the region, according to officials. Iranian forces, which had been a longstanding presence in Syria due to their alliance with Assad, have largely fled or been ordered to withdraw after the rebels claimed victory last month, Western and Arab officials told the *Wall Street Journal*.

 

 

Images circulating near the Lebanese border reveal abandoned military vehicles, weapons, and equipment, indicating a hasty retreat by Iranian troops. The swift 11-day offensive by the rebels left little room for resistance. When asked whether Iran had indeed vacated Syria, Barbara Leaf, the U.S. State Department’s top Middle East official, responded, “Pretty much, yes.”

 

Syria was a cornerstone of Iran’s regional strategy, serving as a vital ally to bolster Tehran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance.” This network, which included various terror proxies, frequently targeted U.S. and Israeli interests. Additionally, Iran utilized Syrian territory to support Hezbollah bases, many of which have now been dismantled by Israeli strikes or overrun by rebel forces.

 

With Assad forced into exile following the rebels’ rapid advance, Iran has lost a critical partner in the Middle East. Tehran’s diminished presence in Syria underscores the scale of its setback. Meanwhile, Syria’s new Sunni leadership, which has long opposed both Iran and Assad’s regime, is working to consolidate power. The rebels’ leading faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, appears to be distancing itself from its radical origins to gain international legitimacy.

 

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the rebel leader who has publicly disavowed his group’s former al-Qaeda affiliations, declared that their swift victory “set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years.” This sentiment reflects the deep animosity between the rebels and Tehran, which analysts believe will prevent the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from regaining a foothold in Syria. Iran’s ambitions to maintain a land corridor to Hezbollah have also been severely disrupted, as the group’s leadership and infrastructure have faced repeated blows from Israeli forces.

 

In response to these developments, Iran’s IRGC-affiliated media outlet, *Sepah News*, condemned Syria’s new government as “takfiri terrorists,” a term commonly used to label ISIS affiliates. Reports have also emerged of potential unrest brewing in Damascus. However, the extent of Iran’s capacity to influence events in Syria appears increasingly limited.

 

Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-09

 

 

[spidermike007]

Anything to reduce Iran's influence in the region is a good thing, that government is absolutely heinous and has nothing but bad intentions for the region and much of the world.

 

I would say the other truly horrific government in the region that are the Saudis, both are enemies of the planet. 

[OneManShow]

Iran is no longer needed for the region games and will be out of the picture. 

[black tabby12345]

Terror regime fell.

So as its backer is leaving.

[black tabby12345]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Anything to reduce Iran's influence in the region is a good thing, that government is absolutely heinous and has nothing but bad intentions for the region and much of the world.

 

I would say the other truly horrific government in the region that are the Saudis, both are enemies of the planet. 

 

About 10% of investment fund into US, is from Saudi Arabia.

So it is treated  pretty much like a sanctuary by US administration.