Iran Acknowledges Significant Defeat in Syria: General Blames Russia and Assad
Brigadier General Behrouz Esbati admits Iran faced severe defeats in Syria, blaming strained ties with Assad and Russian military actions for undermining its efforts. Despite setbacks, he emphasizes Iran’s intention to maintain influence and mobilize resistance under the new Syrian leadership while expressing concerns over U.S. military capabilities.
In a candid revelation, Brigadier General Behrouz Esbati, an Iranian military official responsible for operations in Syria, admitted that Iran faced a significant defeat in the region. During a speech at a Tehran mosque, he expressed his discontent regarding Iran’s loss of influence in Syria, stating, “I don’t consider losing Syria something to be proud of; we were defeated, and defeated very badly.”
Esbati highlighted the strategic miscalculation stemming from Iran’s partnership with Syrian President Bashar Assad, especially after Assad rejected proposals allowing Iranian forces to operate against Israel from Syrian soil. Furthermore, he criticized Russian military actions in Syria, accusing them of misleading Iran by bombing unoccupied fields instead of targeting rebel positions. He asserted that these actions were detrimental to Iran’s military objectives.
The general also lamented the collapse of Assad’s regime, identifying it as a culmination of various factors, including corruption and economic failures, which he claimed Iran had advised Assad to reform. He insisted that he was among the last personnel to evacuate Damascus as it fell to opposition forces.
When addressing Iran’s retaliatory capabilities post the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Esbati confirmed missile strikes against Israel in April and October were part of Iran’s response, but noted no immediate third strike was feasible. He discussed potential mobilization against the Syrian leadership of Ahmad al-Sharaa, promising to activate existing resistance networks while acknowledging existing IRGC officials’ doubts regarding the practicality of these ambitions.
Despite acknowledging severe setbacks in Syria, Esbati maintained that Iran continues to wield considerable influence in the broader region, suggesting that ongoing chaos in Syria could present opportunities for Iran to strengthen its strategic position. He justified Iran’s restrained military posture against U.S. bases, citing concerns over escalated retaliation due to insufficient Iranian missile capabilities.
The acknowledgment of defeat by Brigadier General Behrouz Esbati marks a significant shift from Iran’s historically resilient narrative regarding its military role in Syria. Since the onset of the Syrian civil war, Iran has positioned itself as a key player in support of the Assad regime, focusing on establishing Iranian influence through military and political means. This discourse reflects the challenges Iran faces amid changing dynamics in the region, especially with Russian involvement and the intersection of U.S. military presence. The implications of these shifts are critical in understanding Iran’s current and future strategies in Syria and the broader Middle East.
Brigadier General Behrouz Esbati’s admissions reveal the complexities and challenges Iran faces in Syria, notably its relationship with the Assad regime and the role of Russian forces. His remarks emphasize Iran’s recognition of its setbacks, all while attempting to maintain a narrative of persistent influence, indicating that while recent events have been detrimental to its position, Iran seeks to adapt and find new avenues for leverage in a volatile landscape.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
