Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Syrian youth would resist the new government after Assad’s overthrow, blaming the United States and Israel for chaos in Syria. He emphasized their need to stand firm against foreign influences and reiterated Iran’s longstanding support for the Assad regime throughout the civil war.
On Sunday, December 22, 2024, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserted that the youth of Syria would stand in defiance against the incoming government following President Bashar Assad’s overthrow. During a meeting in Tehran, Khamenei accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating chaos within Syria, emphasizing that the young Syrians, burdened by insecurity, have nothing left to lose. He stated that they should firmly resist any forces responsible for their plight, expressing optimism that they would eventually prevail against foreign influences.
Khamenei pointed to the ongoing support Iran has extended to Assad throughout the civil war, which has lasted nearly 14 years, and reiterated Syria’s importance as a strategic gateway for Iranian support to Hezbollah in Lebanon. He claimed that foreign powers, particularly the U.S. and Israel, have conspired against Assad’s regime to exploit Syria’s resources. Despite recent setbacks faced by militant groups aligned with Iran, Khamenei denied that these factions operate as proxies for Iran, asserting instead that their motivations stemmed from their intrinsic beliefs. He stressed Iran’s capability to act independently if such actions were deemed necessary.
The current situation in Syria is the result of a prolonged civil war, which began in 2011 after President Bashar Assad’s violent suppression of protests. Over the years, Iran has played a crucial role in bolstering Assad’s regime, seeing Syria as key to its regional agenda, particularly in relation to supporting Hezbollah. The geopolitical dynamics have shifted significantly in the region with persistent conflicts, making the statements of leaders like Khamenei particularly important as they underscore the ongoing tensions and Iran’s position in Syria’s future.
In summary, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s remarks underscore Iran’s commitment to support the youth and government of Syria as they face external threats from the United States and Israel. The Supreme Leader’s address reflects both a sense of urgency regarding the internal state of Syria and a steadfast refusal to acknowledge the influence of external forces over Iranian-aligned groups. His emphasis on resilience among young Syrians highlights the ongoing struggle for stability in the region, driven by both local and international power dynamics.
Original Source: apnews.com
