Khamenei Blames U.S., Israel, and Turkey for Assad's Downfall: "A Joint American and Zionist Plot"

Iran's Supreme Leader calls Assad's ousting a major conspiracy but vows the 'axis of resistance' will emerge stronger.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has broken his silence following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, blaming the United States, Israel, and Turkey for orchestrating the regime's downfall. In his December 11 remarks, Khamenei described the events in Syria as the result of "a joint American and Zionist plot," adding that a neighboring country—implicitly referencing Turkey—played a key role in facilitating the rapid advance of rebel forces toward Damascus. The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies, some reportedly linked to Turkey, ousted Assad on December 8 in a swift and coordinated offensive.

Khamenei’s speech underlined the strategic blow to Iran’s regional influence with the collapse of Assad’s government, which had served as a critical part of the so-called "axis of resistance" connecting Tehran to its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah. "Yes, a neighboring government of Syria plays, played, and is playing a clear role…but the main conspirator, mastermind, and command center are in America and the Zionist regime," Khamenei declared. Despite the setback, Khamenei dismissed critics who claim the axis has weakened, insisting, "Its reach will expand across the region more than before."

The Syrian crisis has exposed rifts within Iran’s leadership and its broader strategy. Political analyst Reza Alijani told RFE/RL that Khamenei's remarks seemed more like "trash talk" than strategic reassurances. "The axis may not have been defeated, but it has suffered a serious blow," Alijani said, noting growing doubts among the Islamic Republic's core supporters. With Assad now granted political asylum in Russia and Hezbollah’s capacities diminished, experts argue Iran’s regional ambitions face significant challenges.

Source: RFE/RL Article