Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow has significantly weakened Iran’s strategy of exerting control over the Middle East through proxies. Prior to his fall, the Assad regime was Iran’s most vital ally and a key link to Lebanon’s Hezbollah, the country’s most powerful proxy force. However, it is now uncertain whether Hezbollah can recover from the severe damage inflicted by Israel during the conflict if Syria does not cooperate.
Furthermore, the emerging Sunni government in Damascus may be hostile towards Shia rulers in Tehran, adding to Iran’s concerns. The situation in Gaza, where another Iranian-backed militia, Hamas, has been severely impacted, also suggests a significant setback for Iran’s regional influence. These developments signal a major shift in the balance of power in the Middle East and have far-reaching implications for Iran’s strategic interests.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/12/20/donald-trump-iran-deal