In an unprecedented speech delivered in Tehran, Brig. Gen. Behrouz Esbati, Iran's top military figure in Syria, openly acknowledged the substantial strategic loss Iran faced with the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad. In stark contrast to official Iranian rhetoric that downplayed the gravity of the defeat, General Esbati stated clearly, "I don’t consider losing Syria something to be proud of." His remarks, published by Abdi Media, showcase a candid acceptance of the "very big blow" Iran suffered, shedding light on the internal friction within the Iranian regime regarding its military operations in Syria.
During his address, Esbati revealed long-standing tensions between Iran and the Assad regime, particularly regarding Syria's failure to approve plans for Iranian-backed forces to target Israel following significant escalations in conflict. He noted that despite Iran's proposals for military collaboration, Assad refused to allow his territory to be used as a battleground against Israel.
Additionally, General Esbati criticized Russia, a key ally, for miscommunication regarding military engagements, alleging that Russian forces misled Iran about their operations against Syrian rebels. He accused Russia of turning off its radars, indirectly enabling Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian assets in Syria, which further complicated Iran's military strategies in the region.
As the geopolitical landscape in Syria continues to evolve, this candid admission from a high-ranking Iranian general signifies not only a critical reflection on Iran's military ambitions but also hints at potential shifts in Iran's approach to its allies and adversaries in the Middle East.
