Iran has confirmed its intention to sustain its relationship with Syria, even if President Bashar al-Assad, a long-time ally, is removed from power. Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stressed that while Syria’s territorial integrity must be respected, the future of Iran’s ties with Syria will depend on the stance of opposition groups, particularly their approach toward Israel.
On Tuesday, Mohajerani underscored that the Syrian people should decide their own future, and that “their distance from the Zionist regime” would play a crucial role in shaping Iran’s diplomatic strategy. Iran has long supported Assad’s regime through military and financial assistance, positioning itself as a key player in the Syrian conflict. However, the shift in Syria’s political landscape raises questions about the longevity of this alliance.
Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also addressed the situation during a closed-door meeting in the Iranian parliament. Salami confirmed that no Iranian forces remain in Syria at present, yet insisted that this withdrawal does not reflect a decline in Iran’s regional influence. He explained that Iranian forces had been involved in Syria until the final stages of Assad’s rule. This development comes after Iran announced that approximately 4,000 Iranian citizens returned home from Syria, with flights arranged by Mahan Air since Assad’s ousting.
The prospect of a shift in Syria’s governance has led to speculation regarding Iran’s future relationship with the country. Reports suggest that Tehran may be engaging with armed opposition groups, including those that contributed to the downfall of Assad’s regime. These groups, notably Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have reportedly emerged as significant players in Syria’s evolving power structure. While Tehran has not confirmed or denied these reports, such a move would signal a major departure from its longstanding support for Assad.
Before the collapse of Assad’s government, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regularly condemned the opposition’s actions as part of a broader “American-Zionist” effort to destabilise the region. This rhetoric gained prominence amid the ongoing tensions surrounding Israel’s war with Gaza, with Iran portraying these attacks as a deliberate attempt to undermine Syria’s stability.
Meanwhile, Israel, which has been closely monitoring the situation in Syria, remains firmly opposed to any Iranian military presence in the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel has “no intention of interfering” in Syria’s internal affairs but warned that the country would take “necessary” measures to ensure its security.
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In a video address on Tuesday, Netanyahu authorised the Israeli Air Force to carry out airstrikes targeting strategic military assets in Syria that were at risk of falling into the hands of “jihadists.” This follows Israel’s broader policy of preventing the transfer of advanced weapons to groups like Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant organisation supported by Iran. Netanyahu’s analogy to the British Air Force’s actions during World War II, where they targeted the Vichy regime’s fleet to prevent Nazi access, highlights Israel’s determination to act when its security is threatened.
Israel’s concern centres around Iran’s influence in Syria, where Tehran has been accused of using the country as a foothold for its regional ambitions. The Iranian presence in Syria is particularly sensitive to Israel, which views Iran as its primary regional adversary. Should Syria’s internal dynamics shift, particularly with regards to Iran’s influence, Israel has indicated that it will continue to act decisively to protect its interests.
As the situation in Syria remains fluid, both Iran and Israel are keenly watching developments, with Iran seeking to maintain its influence and Israel committed to ensuring that no Iranian foothold remains in Syria. The complex geopolitics of the region, with multiple competing interests, continues to shape the future of Syria and its relationships with both Iran and Israel.
