Assad’s fall result of blows to Hezbollah and Iran by Israel - Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the collapse of Syria's Bashar al-Assad on Sunday as an "historic day" that followed the blows delivered by Israel against Assad's supporters Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“This is a historic day in the history of the Middle East. Assad's regime is a central link in Iran's axis of evil. This regime has fallen. This is a direct result of the blows we inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, the main supporters of Assad's regime. This created a chain reaction throughout the Middle East,” he said.
People wave Syrian opposition flags as they gather in Trafalgar Square, after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in London, Britain December 8, 2024.
Iran finally reacted to Syria developments on Sunday, calling for an end to the ongoing conflict and the launch of inclusive national dialogues to shape the country’s future.
"The determination of Syria’s future and decisions about its destiny must remain in the hands of the Syrian people, without any destructive interference or external imposition," said the foreign ministry in a statement.
Iran has played a pivotal role in maintaining Bashar al-Assad's grip on power in Syria over the years, providing military, financial, and political support. From the early stages of the Syrian Civil War, Iran's support for Assad included supplying weapons, funding, and sending military advisors, as well as deploying elite forces like the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and allied militias.
In addition to urging a halt to conflicts, Iran also called for ensuring the safety of all Syrian citizens, preserving religious sites, and protecting diplomatic and consular missions in line with international law.
“Tehran would continue its consultations with key regional stakeholders to promote security and stability in the country.”
Syrians celebrate, after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted Syria's Bashar al-Assad, during a demonstration in Sergel's Square in Stockholm, Sweden December 8, 2024.
"The long-standing and friendly relations between the peoples of Iran and Syria are expected to continue with a wise and forward-looking approach, based on shared interests and the fulfillment of international legal commitments," the statement concluded.
The European Union’s new foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said Sunday that the collapse of the Syrian government highlights the weakness of President Bashar al-Assad's supporters, namely Russia and Iran.
“The end of Assad’s dictatorship is a positive and long-awaited development. It also shows the weakness of Assad’s backers, Russia and Iran,” she said on X.
People hold Syrian opposition flags as they celebrate at the Place de la Republique, after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted President Bashar al-Assad, in Paris, France, December 8, 2024. Members of the Syrian community in Cyprus celebrate, after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted President Bashar al-Assad in Nicosia, Cyprus, December 8, 2024.
In response to the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government, Ahmad Nadri, a member of Iran’s parliament, urged a strategic shift for Iran.
He proposed that the country focus on nuclear testing and prioritize revitalizing the so-called ‘resistance front’ in the aftermath of the Syrian crisis.
Iranians walk next to a pro-Hezbollah billboard on a street in Tehran, Iran December 8, 2024.
Rouhollah Rahimpour, a political analyst, told Iran International that there is clearly no comprehensive and systematic analysis of the events in Syria in the Islamic Republic's media.
Referring to the approach of some newspapers like Kayhan, he said, "Some of these media outlets consider the situation a victory for Israel, while others reduce the issue to internal Syrian matters."
According to Rahimpour, the Islamic Republic's calculations regarding Syria have been thrown into such disarray that they are unable to consolidate an analysis of the situation and their current position.
Syria’s foreign ministry and its embassies across the world will remain operational to serve Syrians, the foreign ministry said in its first statement since the fall of Damascus.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in the Syrian Arab Republic and its diplomatic missions abroad will remain committed to serving all fellow citizens and managing their affairs,” it said on Sunday.
“Today, a new page is being written in the history of Syria inaugurating a national covenant and charter to unite Syrians and does not divide them,” the statement said.
