Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared on December 22, 2024, that Syrian youth would resist the new government following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad. He accused the U.S. and Israel of seeking chaos in Syria for resource control, reaffirmed Iran’s support for Assad, and claimed that Iranian-backed groups are motivated by their beliefs rather than being mere proxies. Khamenei’s remarks come amid increasing regional tensions and challenges to Iranian influence.
On December 22, 2024, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserted that the youth of Syria would actively resist the new government following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad. During a meeting in Tehran, Khamenei emphasized that these young individuals, who feel insecure and have little to lose, will oppose those he claims are responsible for the chaos—namely the United States and Israel. Khamenei accused these powers of seeking to exploit Syria’s resources while stating that Iran has not ceased supporting Assad through the prolonged civil conflict that began nearly 14 years ago. The Supreme Leader further claimed that Iranian-backed groups act out of conviction and are not mere proxies of the Islamic Republic.
This declaration comes in the ongoing context of Iranian and allied regional forces facing significant challenges, notably in light of recent conflicts involving Israel and Hamas, and the subsequent ceasefire in Lebanon. Khamenei’s remarks highlight Iran’s commitment to its involvement in the Syrian conflict as well as its strategic objectives in the region.
Iran has played a pivotal role in the Syrian civil war, consistently providing military and logistical support to President Bashar Assad’s regime in response to the political upheaval that began in 2011. The civil war has resulted in extensive devastation and significant loss of life, with Iran utilizing Syria as a crucial base to facilitate support to Hezbollah in Lebanon and as a means to expand its influence in the Middle East. The geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, particularly with the actions of Israel and the United States aimed at countering Iranian influence in the region. Khamenei’s address reflects the current tensions and highlights the dedication of Iranian leadership to their allies even amidst setbacks in their regional strategy.
In conclusion, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s declarations underline the Iranian leadership’s firm stance on the Syrian youth’s potential resistance against a new government post-Assad. He framed the involvement of the United States and Israel as detrimental to Syria’s stability and promoted the narrative of Iranian-supported groups acting independently. This statement not only reaffirms Iran’s commitment to Assad but also signals ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
