The Iranian ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari, has issued a warning about the potential consequences of the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Akbari expressed concerns that the aftermath of Assad's fall could spiral out of American control and lead to a conflict involving regional countries and Turkey.
Akbari highlighted the complex dynamics at play in Syria, noting the alignment between various forces in the north and south of the country. He cautioned that this situation could escalate into conflicts among Islamic and Arab nations, particularly involving Turkey.
Notably, the rebel coalition, led by the former Al Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has seized control of Damascus. However, Syria remains a fragmented landscape with multiple armed groups vying for power. These include the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization.
Akbari emphasized the risk of security destabilization within Syrian society due to the diverse perspectives and interventions by various countries. He underscored the need for caution to prevent further escalation of tensions.
In a separate development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed that Iran's intelligence and security agencies had closely monitored the movements of the rebels during their rapid advance. Araghchi stated that Iran had shared relevant information with the Syrian government and army. He expressed surprise at the Syrian Army's inability to counter the rebel advance swiftly.
The statements from Iranian officials reflect growing concerns about the evolving situation in Syria and the potential for wider regional implications. As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community faces challenges in managing the complex dynamics and preventing further escalation of violence.
