Iran has expressed concern over the rapid advances of opposition groups in Syria, attributing these developments to coordinated actions by the US and Israel. Iranian leaders argue that the recent military maneuvers by HTS are part of a larger conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the region, particularly following a ceasefire in Lebanon. Iran seeks to bolster support for the Assad regime while attempting to undermine US presence in eastern Syria through alliances with Turkey and Russia.
In late November, Iran found itself taken aback by the rapid advances made by Syrian opposition groups in the Idlib province, particularly those led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which resulted in the capture of Aleppo from the Syrian government forces. As HTS showed signs of advancing towards Hama, Iran initiated efforts to solidify support for the Syrian regime. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that the situation in Syria demonstrated a calculated effort by the United States and Israel to destabilize the nation, asserting that their actions were coordinated with terrorist groups.
Araghchi’s commentary, provided during a television interview, suggested that these developments were not coincidental but rather a deliberate attack orchestrated amidst a period of ceasefire in Lebanon. He emphasized the synchronization between the actions of the US, Israel, and various terrorist factions, implying their collective aim to disrupt stability in Syria. The Iranian regime interprets the situation as a plot due to the timing of the HTS offensive following the ceasefire in Lebanon, where they believed the attention of the Syrian regime was focused.
Despite Iran’s assertions, concrete evidence linking the United States and Israel to the HTS offensive remains absent; in fact, Israel appears wary of the chaos in Syria, given its potential implications for its security in relation to Iranian-backed groups. In this geopolitical tapestry, Iran endeavors to present a narrative of conspiracy to justify its military interventions, particularly as it seeks to oust US forces present in eastern Syria. Notably, Turkey aligns with Iran’s perspective on the matter, utilizing the HTS acts to galvanize militias against Kurdish forces.
Further asserting its intent to support the Syrian regime, Araghchi mentioned ongoing discussions with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing Iran’s historical partnership with Syria during their previous conflicts. He indicated planned consultations under the Astana framework involving Iran, Russia, and Turkey, reflecting a concerted effort to bolster Syrian government stability against opposition forces. This interaction underlines Iran’s commitment to fortifying its influence in the region while concurrently managing alliances with Russia and Turkey.
The conflict in Syria has been marked by a complex interplay of internal strife and external interventions. Since the Syrian civil war began, Iran has heavily supported the Assad regime, viewing Syria as a crucial ally against Israel and as a conduit for influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah. The emergence of HTS and their military activities pose a direct challenge to Iranian interests, complicating the security landscape. Iran’s narrative of external conspiracy, particularly involving the US and Israel, serves as a strategic defense mechanism while it seeks to enhance its operational footing amidst shifting allegiances and violent opposition. The recent maneuvers by HTS in the context of a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon highlight the multifaceted nature of the regional dynamics, where military actions are often interwoven with political negotiations. Furthermore, the cooperation between Iran and Turkey, despite their historical rivalries, showcases a pragmatic alignment in the face of mutual threats posed by Kurdish forces in northern Syria.
In conclusion, Iran’s claims regarding US and Israeli involvement in the Syrian escalation are rooted in its strategic motivations and desire to justify its continuing commitment to the Assad regime. The rapid advances of HTS triggered a series of responses from Iran, who interprets these events as a coordinated effort to destabilize Syria. As Iran collaborates with Russia and Turkey while framing external actors as adversaries, it aims to consolidate support for a unified Syrian front, albeit amidst a complex tapestry of conflicting interests and alliances.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
