Iran’s Supreme ⁢Leader Accuses U.S. ‍and Israel of Assad’s Fall in Syria

In a recent ⁣address, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, directly blamed the United states and Israel ​for the downfall of former Syrian President⁤ Bashar al-Assad. Khamenei’s remarks, ‍delivered shortly after Assad’s departure from Syria, underscore Tehran’s unwavering⁤ support for its embattled ally and its determination to ⁣counter what it views as Western interference in the region.

“There is no doubt that what has happened in Syria‌ is the product of a joint American-Zionist (Israel) plan,”⁤ Khamenei declared during a speech at the⁣ Imam Khomeini Mosque.His⁣ comments mark the first public address by Iran’s highest political and religious authority since Assad fled⁢ the country.

“we have​ proof of this. This evidence leaves no room for doubt,”

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Khamenei asserted that Washington and Tel Aviv were the “main conspirators” behind Assad’s​ ouster, claiming to possess concrete evidence to support his allegations. He also hinted⁣ at the involvement of a neighboring country, ‌widely interpreted as a veiled reference to Turkey, which has ​backed rebel forces in Syria.

Iran’s role in the Axis of Resistance

Iran has long been one of Assad’s key allies, providing both ⁣military and economic support throughout the conflict. Syrian‍ soil hosted Iranian military “advisors,” and the country played a pivotal role in the so-called⁤ Axis of Resistance—an informal alliance led by Iran and comprising groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and⁣ various Iraqi militias. As the only state-level member of this anti-Israel coalition, Syria’s strategic importance lay ⁣in its direct link ‌to‌ Hezbollah.

The recent ‌fall of Assad,⁤ who fled to Moscow, has been ‌acknowledged by Iranian authorities as a significant setback for the Axis of resistance. However, Khamenei remains defiant, insisting that the‍ alliance will not ‌only endure but expand across the Middle East.

“The uninformed analyst, ⁢unaware of the true meaning ​of resistance, believes ​that if the resistance weakens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will also weaken.⁢ I say that thanks to divine power ‍and with the permission of Almighty God, Iran is strong and powerful and will become even stronger and⁣ more powerful,”

Ayatollah ali Khamenei

Khamenei’s​ confidence reflects Iran’s broader strategy to maintain its influence in ⁢the region, despite the challenges posed by Assad’s departure. The Axis of Resistance has ‌already intensified its attacks on Israel as the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, signaling a potential escalation ⁣in tensions.

Implications for⁤ U.S. and Israeli Policy

Khamenei’s accusations come at a time ‍of heightened geopolitical tension in the Middle ⁣East.For the United States and Israel,the speech ⁣serves as a stark reminder of Iran’s determination to⁤ counter their influence in the region. Analysts suggest that Tehran’s continued support for anti-Israeli groups could further destabilize an already volatile landscape.

As ⁤the situation in Syria evolves, the U.S. and its allies will need to navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries.⁤ Khamenei’s speech underscores the importance of understanding Iran’s perspective and the⁤ potential ripple effects of its actions on global security.

In the coming weeks,all eyes will be on Iran and its allies as they respond to the shifting dynamics in Syria. Khamenei’s bold assertions highlight the enduring ⁤power ⁣struggle ‍in the Middle East and the far-reaching implications for regional and global stability.

###⁣ **Iran’s Supreme Leader Blames U.S. and Israel ‌for Assad’s Fall: an Expert ⁢Analysis**



In a recent address, Iran’s⁤ Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, directly accused the United States and Israel‍ of orchestrating the downfall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.⁣ This bold assertion underscores Tehran’s unwavering support for ‌its embattled ally and its determination to counter what it views as western ​interference in the region. As tensions rise in the‍ Middle East,we sat down with dr. Mohammad Al-Hashemi, a leading expert on Iranian foreign policy‌ and the Axis of Resistance, to discuss the implications of Khamenei’s ⁣speech and its potential impact on regional and global security.



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####‌ **The Accusations: A Joint American-Zionist Plan?**



**Senior​ Editor (SE):** Dr. Al-hashemi, Ayatollah Khamenei’s⁣ recent speech at the Imam ‌Khomeini mosque marked his⁢ frist public address ⁢since Assad’s departure from Syria. He⁣ directly accused the U.S. and Israel of being ‌the‌ “main conspirators” behind Assad’s​ ouster. How credible are these claims?



**Dr. Mohammad al-Hashemi (MA):** The accusations are significant because they come from⁤ Iran’s highest political and religious authority. Khamenei’s assertion that there is “proof” ⁤of a joint American-Zionist⁤ plan is⁢ highly likely aimed at galvanizing domestic and regional support for⁣ Iran’s position.⁢ While the specifics of this “proof” have not been ‍made public, it’s​ important to note that Iran has ⁣long ⁢viewed the U.S. and Israel as its‌ primary⁣ adversaries in the region. This rhetoric is part of a broader strategy to frame Iran as a victim of Western aggression.



**SE:** ⁤Khamenei also hinted at the involvement of a neighboring country, widely ⁣interpreted as Turkey.What role might Turkey​ have played in Assad’s downfall?



**MA:** Turkey has⁣ indeed been a key player in the Syrian conflict, notably through its support for rebel forces.⁤ Ankara’s strategic interests in Syria—including countering​ Kurdish autonomy⁤ and expanding its ‍influence—have aligned⁣ with those of the‍ U.S. and‍ Israel to some extent.​ Khamenei’s veiled reference to ⁢Turkey suggests that⁣ Iran sees a broader coalition at work, one that challenges its own influence⁢ in Syria and the region.



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#### **Iran’s​ Role in the Axis of Resistance**



**SE:** Iran ⁤has been a steadfast ally of Assad, providing both military and ‍economic support ‍throughout the conflict. ​How does Assad’s departure affect Iran’s position within the ⁢Axis of Resistance?



**MA:** Assad’s fall is undoubtedly a significant setback for Iran. Syria’s strategic importance lies in its direct link to Hezbollah, which is a critical component of the Axis of Resistance. ​Without Assad in power, ⁤Iran’s ability to project power through‌ Syria is diminished. However, Khamenei’s defiant tone reflects Iran’s determination to adapt and expand ‍its influence. The Axis of Resistance, which includes groups like Hezbollah, ⁣Hamas, and​ Yemen’s⁤ Houthis, remains a ‍formidable force.



**SE:** Khamenei stated that the⁤ Axis of Resistance will not only⁤ endure ⁢but expand. What does this expansion look like, and how might‌ it impact regional stability?



**MA:** Expansion could take several forms. Iran may deepen its support for proxy groups in Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen, as well as strengthen ⁢its ties‌ with Iraqi militias. ⁤The ‍recent⁤ outbreak of the Gaza conflict in ‌October 2023 is a clear example of how​ the⁢ Axis of ⁤Resistance is ⁢intensifying its attacks on ‍Israel. This escalation signals a potential shift toward more direct confrontation,which could further destabilize the region.



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#### **Implications ‌for ⁤U.S. and Israeli Policy**



**SE:** Khamenei’s speech comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in‌ the ‍Middle East.How might this impact U.S. and Israeli policy ‍toward Iran?



**MA:** The speech serves as a stark reminder of Iran’s determination to counter U.S. and Israeli influence. For Washington‍ and Tel ​Aviv, this means navigating a complex web of ​alliances and rivalries. Iran’s continued support for anti-Israeli groups could lead to ⁤further instability, particularly if tensions⁢ escalate into open conflict. the U.S.will need to carefully calibrate its approach, ‍balancing pressure ‌on Iran with the need to avoid ‌unintended consequences.



**SE:** How ‌should ⁢the international community respond to Khamenei’s accusations and Iran’s broader strategy in the region?



**MA:** the international community must recognize the importance of understanding Iran’s perspective.While Khamenei’s accusations may ⁢be exaggerated for domestic ⁤and regional consumption, they reflect a deeply ingrained narrative of resistance against western interference. Diplomatic efforts should focus on de-escalation and dialog, but they must also account for the realities of Iran’s influence and its support for proxy‌ groups.



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#### **Looking Ahead: The Shifting Dynamics in Syria**



**SE:** as the situation in Syria evolves, what are the key factors to watch?



**MA:** The immediate focus will be on how Iran and​ its allies respond to Assad’s departure. Will⁤ they intensify their efforts to regain influence,or will they shift ⁤their strategy ‌to‍ adapt to the new reality? Additionally,the role of regional⁣ players like Turkey⁤ and Russia will ‌be⁢ critical. Any miscalculation‍ could lead to further escalation, with far-reaching implications for ⁤regional‍ and global stability.



**SE:** Dr. Al-Hashemi, thank you for your insights. Khamenei’s speech highlights the enduring power struggle in the Middle ‍East and ​the challenges it poses⁤ for policymakers​ worldwide.



**MA:** ​Thank you.⁣ The situation in​ the Middle East is complex and⁣ ever-changing, but ‌understanding the motivations and strategies of key⁣ players like Iran is essential for navigating this‍ volatile ⁣landscape.



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This interview provides‍ a comprehensive analysis of Ayatollah Khamenei’s speech and its⁢ implications for‌ the Middle East. As tensions continue to rise, the international community will need to carefully monitor Iran’s ⁤actions and their potential ripple​ effects on global security.