An Iranian website aligned with the Supreme National Security Council has published a report depicting Syria's new rulers as grappling with dissent and internal conflicts, after what amounted to a historic regional setback for Tehran.
Nour News, allegedly still controlled by the Council’s former secretary Ali Shamkhani, wrote, “Syrian sources have reported the emergence of resistance cells in response to escalating attacks by forces under the command of Jolani. Meanwhile, a prominent Arab tribal leader in Syria has confirmed intense clashes between Jolani’s fighters and Iraqi tribal groups.”
While Iran’s diplomatic officials have maintained a cautious tone when addressing Syria’s new rulers, earlier this month, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei openly called for resistance against the authority of Ahmad al-Sharaa (Jolani).
Several Tehran-based publications, along with hardline political and military figures, have voiced more blunt and critical opinions about the Islamist forces that have replaced former president Bashar al-Assad.
Nour news alleged in its report that the new authorities have committed multiple crimes in recent days leading to the formation of resistance groups.
Referring to unknown sources, Nour News wrote, “In the past three weeks, numerous crimes have been committed against Syrian citizens and minorities, particularly in the coastal regions of the country. The emergence of resistance forces in Syria could clarify the trajectory of developments, as public anger grows in response to the aggressions by Jolani's forces.”
Nour News went on listing a number of alleged incidents even in Damascus, and continued to label the new authorities as representing Tahrir al-Sham “terrorists.”
This stance by Iran’s security establishment may indicate a potential interest in destabilizing Syria under the new anti-Assad forces. However, Tehran’s levers of influence appear limited.
Its proxy groups in Iraq seem to have adopted a cautious approach, likely due to government pressure, while in Syria, Iran has little remaining influence to pose a significant challenge to Damascus.
In an interview with Al Arabiya at the weekend, Sharaa said: "We were expecting positive statements from Tehran.”
In a possible bid to reach out a hand to Tehran after its weakening position in the country, he said that "a broad segment [of the country] aspires to a positive Iranian role in the region" as the rulers of Syria move forward, and the Syrian population having seen both Iran and Russia siding with Assad in the 13-year-long civil war.
