Iranian supreme leader blames US, Israel, Turkey for Assad’s toppling
- 11 December, 14:59
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed on Wednesday that the US and Israel were involved in the toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.
“There should be no doubt that what has happened in Syria is the result of a joint American and Zionist plan," Khamenei said on state TV.
In clear reference to Turkey, the supreme leader also accused the “neighbouring country” of involvement in the Syrian government’s overthrow. “A neighbouring state of Syria has played a clear role in this matter, and it continues to do so. Everyone can see this. We have evidence. This evidence leaves no room for doubt,”Khamenei went on saying.
Bashar al-Assad’s long-standing regime was overthrown on December 8 after the opposition fraction led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, HTS, captured capital Damascus following days of fighting with government forces. The Syrian regime’s toppling weakened position of Assad’s ally Iran. Syria had been used by Tehran as a corridor to deliver logistical and armed support to Lebanese-based militant group Hezbollah and aid to Hamas in Gaza. The victory of Turkey-backed opposition forces and other rebel groups destroyed the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance”- an alliance uniting Syria and pro-Iranian armed groups.
The rebels’ surprise offensives two weeks ago marked the worst escalation of the conflict in Syria since the signing of the peace deal in 2011 and ended the rule of Baath Party that had been in power in Syria since 1963.
