TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proclaimed on Sunday the expected resistance of young Syrians to any new government following the fall of President Bashar Assad, asserting the United States and Israel are key instigators of chaos within the country. This statement resonates amid Iran’s unwavering support for Assad during the nearly fourteen-year civil conflict.
Access to power and resources has long been tied to Syria, which has served as a significant conduit for Iranian support to Hezbollah, the militant faction based in Lebanon.
Khamenei addressed the nation, emphasizing, “the young Syrian has nothing to lose” and criticized external forces as responsible for the prevailing insecurity. “What can he do? He should stand with strong will against those who have engineered this instability,” he continues, expressing hope for their eventual triumph.
Citing U.S. and Israeli attempts to orchestrate Assad's downfall to exploit Syria’s resources, Khamenei labeled them as “victorious,” though analysts point out the widespread euphoria among Syrians following Assad’s regime change, evidenced by mass celebrations across cities like Damascus and Homs.
Meanwhile, Khamenei strongly dismissed any insinuation of Iranian influence over regional militant groups, insisting, “If we ever choose to act, we won’t need proxies.” This statement follows significant setbacks faced by Iran and its allied groups over the past year, particularly concerning heavy losses sustained by Hezbollah.
On the other side of the border, prominent Lebanese politician Walid Jumblatt met with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the insurgent leader who orchestrated the recent overthrow of Assad. This dialogue marked one of the first significant interactions between Lebanese and Syrian political figures since the exit of the Assad family from power.
Jumblatt, historically opposing Syrian interventionist policy, reflected on the need to reshape Lebanese-Syrian relations, which have been turbulent since the tumultuous civil war era. “We salute the Syrian people for their great victories and for their battle to rid themselves of oppression and tyranny,” Jumblatt said, indicating his hopes for normalization between the countries.
Al-Sharaa, now protocol-driven and engaging with international diplomats, remarked on the past as he articulated hopes for discontinuing Syria’s long-standing interference in Lebanese affairs and easing tensions between the neighboring countries.
“Syria will no longer be...negative interference in Lebanon,” al-Sharaa stated, echoing sentiments shared by those who have suffered under Assad’s regime. The insurgent also reiterated claims linking Assad’s government to the assassination of renowned Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, reaffirming the necessity for accountability for past atrocities committed against both Syrians and Lebanese.
Echoing these developments, Khamenei maintained his stance against the U.S. and Israeli governments, attributing their interventions to attempts at destabilizing the region for resource exploitation. Khamenei’s comments came at a time when Iranian proxies, such as Hezbollah, were also reevaluated for their strategic importance following the upheaval. He noted, “They believe they’ve achieved victory,” referring to perceived gains made by U.S. and Israeli interests following Assad’s departure.
The historical reparations and political tightrope between Syria and Lebanon have created fertile ground for future interactions, especially as many former Syrian refugees return home amid the wreckage of conflict. Reports reveal reinvigorated hopes for peace among many Syrian youths, possibly foreshadowing future resistance to oppressive governance.
Returning Syrians have begun searching for their homes among the desolate landscapes left by the conflict. Alaa Badawi, one such returnee, remarked on the heart-wrenching process, saying, “Which is our house? Which is our alley? There is nothing visible.” Despite the loss, there is also determination among returnees to reclaim their identities and memories.
With new formations of military leadership being discussed among Syrian rebel factions, calls for international sanction relief are being echoed, as the effects of decades-long sanctions continue to stifle the nation’s recovery.
The organizing of political resistance remains tenuous, and the full ramifications of Assad's ouster could redefine the future of both Syria and Lebanon. Amid these transformations, it remains uncertain whether the young generation, often touted as the backbone of future resistance against oppressive regimes, will have the agency to catalyze meaningful change.
The interplay between Iran’s self-proclaimed protective stance on Syria and the voices of resilience among the newly liberated population continues to paint a complex picture of resistance and recovery.
