Iran’s Supreme Leader Asserts Syrian Youth Will Resist New Government
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that young Syrians will resist the new government following President Bashar Assad’s overthrow, blaming the chaos on the United States and Israel. He expressed support for the youth, emphasizing their stake in the outcome, while denying that regional militia groups are simply Iranian proxies, asserting their independence in combatting foreign influence.
In a recent address, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that young Syrians would resist the new government that is set to emerge following the ousting of President Bashar Assad. Khamenei emphasized that the youth of Syria, feeling vulnerable after Assad’s regime collapse, have everything to fight for. He attributed the instability in Syria to the actions of the United States and Israel, which he accused of orchestrating chaos to further their interests in the region.
Khamenei stated, “What can he do? He should stand with strong will against those who designed and those who implemented the insecurity. God willing, he will overcome them.” He portrayed the current geopolitical landscape as one where the United States and Israel mistakenly believe they are victorious following Assad’s downfall. Iran has consistently provided military and logistical support to Assad throughout the years of the civil conflict.
Furthermore, Khamenei refuted the notion that militias like Hezbollah are merely Iranian proxies, insisting instead that they act on their convictions. He claimed, “If one day we plan to take action, we do not need proxy force.” Despite Iran’s diminished influence due to recent circumstances in the region, such as Israel’s aggressive posture against Hamas and Hezbollah, Khamenei remains steadfast in Iranian support for resistance against Western influence.
The context of this statement emerges from the lengthy and complex Syrian civil war, which has lasted nearly 14 years. It began after President Bashar Assad’s harsh response to peaceful protests, ultimately carving a path for significant Iranian involvement aimed at preserving the Assad regime. Iran views Syria as a pivotal ally, not only for regional influence but also as a crucial supply line to Hezbollah, a militant group that Iran supports. The recent geopolitical shifts, including setbacks for Iranian-aligned groups, have raised concerns about Iran’s standing in the region.
In conclusion, Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks underscore Iran’s commitment to supporting Syrian youth in their opposition to any new government formed post-Assad. His statements reflect Iran’s enduring narrative of external threats posed by the United States and Israel, which he believes disrupt regional stability. As Iran continues to assert its influence, it faces significant challenges that complicate its role in an evolving Middle East.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
