The fall of Bashar al-Assad, the long-time leader of Syria, is a significant blow to Iran. Historically, storming diplomatic missions has been a favorite tactic of Iranians, but this time it’s happening to them. Syrian rebels, who received backing from Iran, recently stormed the Iranian embassy in Damascus, following their attack on Assad’s palace earlier this week.
In response to the news, many people in Iran expressed joy and hope that the regime would soon collapse. According to a university lecturer in Tehran, “People are very happy and hope our regime will be next.” This sentiment is not unique, as widespread discontent with the Iranian government has been growing in recent years.
The Syrian civil war has weakened Assad’s regime, but it remains unclear whether this will lead to reform or an increased focus on developing its nuclear capabilities. International observers will be watching the situation closely as Iran navigates this critical juncture.
Source: https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2024/12/11/the-fall-of-bashar-al-assad-is-a-blow-to-iran