Iran, a staunch supporter of President Bashar Assad’s deposed government, has called for Syrians to decide their country’s future without “destructive, coercive, foreign intervention.” The statement, issued by the Foreign Ministry on Sunday, marked the country’s first official reaction to the overthrow of Assad’s government, as AP reported.
Rebel forces reached the capital, Damascus, over the weekend, bringing an end to nearly 14 years of civil war and 50 years of Assad family rule.
Throughout the conflict, Iran had been a steadfast ally of Assad. However, with the rebels now in control, Iran’s influence in Syria faces a major setback. The overthrow of Assad is also a blow to his allies, including Russia and Hezbollah, which had provided critical support to his regime over the years.
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Damascus celebrates as Assad era ends
The rebel advance into Damascus has prompted widespread celebrations. Syrians poured into the streets amid celebratory gunfire, waving the revolutionary flag in scenes reminiscent of the Arab Spring uprisings. Revelers gathered in city squares, chanting anti-Assad slogans, while some ransacked the presidential palace. Videos circulating online showed jubilant crowds entering government buildings, with soldiers and police abandoning their posts.
“We are witnessing a new chapter for Syria,” wrote al-Watan, a historically pro-government newspaper, which acknowledged the end of Assad’s rule while calling for national unity.
Despite the initial euphoria, the country faces an uncertain future. Rebel forces remain fragmented, with varying loyalties and goals. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by former al-Qaida commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has emerged as the most prominent faction. Golani, who has sought to portray his group as moderate and inclusive, now leads efforts to shape Syria’s political direction.
In a televised statement, rebel commander Anas Salkhadi urged unity, reassuring Syria’s ethnic and religious minorities, including Alawites, Druze, and Christians, that the new leadership would ensure inclusivity.
However, challenges persist. Turkey-backed opposition fighters are clashing with U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, while Islamic State remnants continue to operate in remote areas. The task of unifying a war-torn nation and establishing a stable government remains daunting.
International responses
The international community has reacted cautiously. The United Nations’ special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for urgent talks in Geneva to facilitate a peaceful political transition. Meanwhile, Qatar hosted an emergency meeting of regional powers, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Russia, emphasising the need for stability and inclusivity.
Israel, which shares a tense border with Syria, has taken advantage of the chaos to seize a buffer zone in the Golan Heights, citing security concerns after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the 1974 agreement separating Israeli and Syrian forces had effectively collapsed.
Assad’s uncertain fate
Assad’s whereabouts remain unknown. Reports suggest he fled Damascus over the weekend, with Russia indicating he negotiated his departure with rebel groups. Assad’s long-time ally, Iran, has not commented on his fate, but its embassy in Damascus was ransacked by protesters.
As Syrians celebrate the end of decades of authoritarian rule, the country stands at a crossroads. The coming days will test whether the rebels can deliver on their promises of unity and democracy, or whether Syria will descend into further turmoil.