Iran has expressed its deep concerns over Turkey’s alleged support for Sunni rebels in their efforts to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to Iranian officials. In the final days leading up to his ouster, Assad complained to Iran’s foreign minister that Turkey was actively supporting rebel forces.
Assad met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on December 2 and voiced his anger over what he described as Turkey’s intensified efforts to unseat him. Araqchi assured Assad of Iran’s continued support and promised to raise the issue with Ankara.
Turkey denied the allegations, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan blaming Assad for the crisis and stating that his regime had “had precious time” to address Syria’s problems but failed to do so.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Assad’s ouster was the result of a plan by the US and Israel, with one of Syria’s neighbors also having a role. While Khamenei did not name the country, his comments appeared to be referring to Turkey.
Assad’s downfall has dealt a significant blow to Iran’s influence in the region, as it had relied heavily on Damascus as a key ally. The loss of Assad’s support has weakened Iranian ties with Hezbollah and reduced its ability to spread influence through Syria.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/before-his-ouster-syrias-assad-told-iran-that-turkey-was-aiding-rebels-unseat-2024-12-14