Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamene
By Chris Williams
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the downfall of Syria’s government, labeling their actions as an occupation that will ultimately be resisted and overturned by the Syrian people. In a recent address, Khamenei emphasized that Syria belongs to its citizens and predicted that Syrian youth would rise against foreign occupiers.
Allegations Against the U.S. and Israel
Khamenei’s statements underscore Iran’s longstanding position that Western and Israeli interventions have destabilized the Middle East, particularly in Syria. He asserted that the U.S. and Israel were the primary architects behind the recent upheaval in Syria, which led to the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Khamenei stated, “There should be no doubt that what happened in Syria is the result of a joint American and Zionist plot.” 
Iran’s Role and Perspective
Iran has been a steadfast ally of Assad’s government throughout the Syrian civil war, providing military and economic support to bolster the regime against various opposition groups. The fall of Assad represents a significant setback for Iran’s influence in the region, disrupting the so-called “Axis of Resistance” that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and other allied groups opposing Western and Israeli presence in the Middle East. 
Foreign Military Presence in Syria
The Syrian conflict has attracted multiple foreign powers, each pursuing their strategic interests:
• United States: Initially intervened in 2014 to combat the Islamic State (IS), the U.S. has maintained a military presence in Syria, primarily supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast. The Syrian government has labeled U.S. forces as occupiers, citing their unauthorized presence. 
• Israel: Conducts regular airstrikes in Syria, targeting Iranian and Hezbollah positions to prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry and curb Iran’s military entrenchment near its borders. Israel’s actions are part of its broader strategy to counter perceived threats from Iran and its proxies. 
• Russia: Entered the conflict in 2015 in support of Assad’s government, establishing a significant military presence, including airbases and naval facilities. Russia’s involvement has been pivotal in shifting the balance of power in favor of the Syrian regime. 
• Turkey: Has conducted multiple military operations in northern Syria, targeting Kurdish groups it deems terrorist organizations and establishing a buffer zone along its border. Turkey’s actions reflect its concerns over Kurdish autonomy movements and aim to resettle Syrian refugees. 
Recent Developments
The overthrow of Assad’s regime has led to significant geopolitical shifts:
• Israeli Occupation of Buffer Zone: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for Israeli troops to occupy a Syrian buffer zone indefinitely, citing security concerns. This move has drawn international criticism for potentially violating ceasefire agreements and exacerbating regional tensions. 
• Iran’s Evacuation: Following Assad’s fall, Iran has evacuated thousands of its citizens from Syria. Despite this, Khamenei remains defiant, asserting that Iran’s “resistance front” will continue to confront U.S. and Israeli influence in the region. 
• Power Struggle Between Israel and Turkey: With the diminished influence of Iran in Syria, Israel and Turkey are emerging as dominant forces in the region. Their rivalry, driven by conflicting strategic interests, could lead to further instability in Syria and beyond. 
Humanitarian Concerns
The prolonged conflict and foreign interventions have resulted in severe humanitarian crises:
• Displacement: Millions of Syrians have been displaced internally and externally, facing dire living conditions and uncertain futures.
• Casualties: The war has led to significant loss of life, with estimates of hundreds of thousands of deaths, including civilians.
• Infrastructure Destruction: Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and housing, has been destroyed, hindering access to essential services.
International Reactions
The international community remains divided over the Syrian conflict:
• United Nations: Calls for a Syrian-led political process to resolve the crisis have been reiterated, emphasizing the need for dialogue and reconciliation. 
• European Union: Plans to reopen its office in Damascus indicate a cautious approach to engaging with the new Syrian administration.
• Qatar: Reopening its embassy in Damascus signals a shift towards diplomatic engagement with Syria.
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