Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei directly accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, marking the first time he has publicly addressed the issue. Speaking in Tehran on Wednesday, Khamenei called the fall of Assad a calculated move by the two nations and hinted that a neighboring country also played a significant role. While he refrained from naming the country, he stressed that its involvement was both clear and ongoing.
"There should be no doubt that what happened in Syria was the result of a joint American-Zionist plot," Khamenei said, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA. He added that the unidentified neighboring state "had a clear role and continues to do so," leaving analysts to speculate that the reference pointed to Turkey. As a NATO member, Turkey has long supported Syrian opposition groups and conducted military operations in northern Syria, further complicating the regional dynamics.
The fall of Assad, a long-standing ally of Iran, represents a significant shift in the power structure of the Middle East. Assad's regime was a cornerstone of the Iran-led "Axis of Resistance," a political and military alliance aimed at countering U.S. and Israeli influence in the region. Iran, along with Russia, invested substantial resources to uphold Assad's rule, including billions of dollars and direct military support through the Revolutionary Guards.
Khamenei sought to downplay the implications of Assad's overthrow on Iran's regional influence. "The more pressure you apply, the stronger it becomes; the more crimes you commit, the more motivated it becomes; the more you fight them, the more expanded it becomes," he said, underscoring his belief that the alliance would emerge even stronger despite the setback.
Hours before Khamenei's speech, U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the situation, linking Assad's removal to coordinated efforts involving U.S. support for Israel's military campaigns and other strategic actions. Biden pointed to U.S. backing for groups in Syria and Iraq as well as support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, which he claimed diverted resources away from Moscow's ability to support Assad's regime. The president also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to maintaining a military presence in northeast Syria to counter both Iranian and Russian influence.
Israel has also played a pivotal role in reshaping the Syrian conflict. Since Assad's overthrow, Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes across Syria, targeting critical military sites and asserting control over parts of the demilitarized zone, including the strategic Mount Hermon, which overlooks Damascus. These actions further underscore the complex and shifting dynamics in the region.
Despite Assad's fall, Iran has continued to emphasize its commitment to Syria. Shortly after the leadership change, Tehran issued a statement reaffirming its alliance with Damascus and calling for an inclusive government representing all segments of Syrian society. Iran's foreign policy narrative has portrayed this approach as "far-sighted and wise," signaling its intent to remain a key player in Syria's future political landscape.
Khamenei also used his speech to address broader perceptions of Iran's standing in the Middle East, dismissing claims that the country's influence would be weakened. "Iran is strong and powerful-and will become even stronger," he declared, asserting that external pressures would only bolster the resistance movement led by Tehran.
