In the final days of his presidency, Bashar al-Assad informed Iran of Turkey’s support for rebel forces aiming to dethrone him. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi assured Assad of continued support while communicating Iran’s concerns regarding Turkey’s involvement. Following Assad’s flight to Moscow for asylum, Iranian influence in the region has faced significant challenges, particularly in relation to Turkey and Israel.
In his final moments of power, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed grave concerns to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about Turkey’s support for Sunni rebel factions, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), that were intensifying their efforts to overthrow him. As cities in Syria fell into rebel hands, Assad met with Araghchi on December 2 in Damascus, where he conveyed his anger regarding Turkey’s role. Following this, Araghchi expressed Iran’s discontent to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who attributed the crisis to Assad’s oppressive governance and failure to engage in sincere peace negotiations. This situation occurred as Iran’s influence in the region faced a significant challenge after Assad’s eventual flight to Moscow and receipt of asylum, marking a critical shift in the dynamics of the Syrian conflict and diminishing the Iran-led Axis of Resistance’s power in the region.
The geopolitical implication of Syria’s civil conflict, which began in 2011, has had far-reaching consequences, particularly concerning Iran, Turkey, and the United States. Iran has heavily invested in Assad’s regime, providing military and financial support to maintain its foothold in Syria as a means to project power and influence against Israeli and U.S. interests. Turkey, a NATO member that has historically opposed Assad, has supported rebel groups in an effort to influence the outcome of the conflict, which has led to a growing complex relationship between the two nations amidst their respective regional ambitions.
In summary, President Assad’s communication with Iran’s foreign minister highlights the escalating tensions involving Turkey’s support for anti-Assad rebels. Iranian officials have expressed increasing dissatisfaction, indicating a potential shift in alliances and a rethink of strategies in the region following Assad’s ouster. This evolving crisis not only underscores the fragility of Syrian governance but also illustrates the intricate web of regional politics involving international actors like Iran, Turkey, and their influence on the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
