The strategic collapse of the so-called “resistance” axis and the weakening of the Iranian regime’s influence in Syria have plunged the regime into a state of anxiety and disarray. The regime’s reactions, as well as the commentary from its leaders and media outlets, reveal a mixture of astonishment, panic, and confusion. This atmosphere was evident in the speech of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on December 11, where he attempted to downplay the regime’s failures while bolstering the morale of his shaken supporters.
Khamenei’s Response to Strategic Setbacks
In his speech, Khamenei admitted that the regime’s supporters have become disillusioned and passive—a development he deemed more dangerous than the strategic failure in Syria itself. He confessed his surprise at the speed of the Syrian revolution, stating: “The incident in Syria is a lesson for each of us. One of the lessons of this issue is neglecting the enemy. In this incident, the enemy acted quickly.”
In response to the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Khamenei resorted to his longstanding rhetoric, invoking phrases like “defense of the shrine” and “combating the conspiracies of America and Zionism” to justify the presence of Iranian forces in Syria and other countries in the region. He claimed that the deployment of these forces was necessary to “defend the sanctity of the shrines” and ensure Iran’s internal security.
However, such claims have long been exposed as baseless justifications for the regime’s meddling in Middle Eastern affairs. For instance, the February 22, 2006, bombing of the al-Askari Mosque in Samarra, Iraq, was later linked to the Iranian regime and its operatives. General George Casey, the then-commander of multinational forces in Iraq, concluded that Iran was responsible for the attack. Similarly, Tareq al-Hashemi, Iraq’s former vice president, identified Iran’s “religious fascism” as the culprit in an interview with Al-Arabiya TV.
Blaming External Factors and Admitting Weakness
In his speech, Khamenei attempted to attribute the regime’s failures in Syria to foreign governments, claiming, “What happened in Syria is the result of a joint plan between America and the Zionists.” This narrative, however, fails to mask the incompetence of Syrian government forces and the regime’s own military and security apparatus. Senior officials, such as Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, have openly admitted that the speed of developments in Syria and the inefficiency of proxy forces caught the regime off guard. Araghchi remarked, “What was surprising was the inability of the Syrian army to counter this movement and the speed of developments in Syria.”
Khamenei, nevertheless, tried to present an image of strength, claiming that the “captured areas of Syria will be liberated by the zealous Syrian youth.” Such statements, however, are little more than political bluster aimed at domestic consumption. On the ground, these words ring hollow, as the regime’s inability to adapt to the evolving situation has become increasingly apparent.
The Poison of Passivity
The fallout from Syria’s strategic collapse extends beyond foreign policy. Domestically, it has led to stagnation, confusion, and a lack of motivation among regime-affiliated forces. Khamenei alluded to these internal struggles by describing passivity as a “poison” more dangerous than the failures themselves. “In failures, passivity is a poison. Sometimes passivity is more dangerous than the accident itself,” he said, revealing his deep concern over declining morale among his supporters.
This erosion of confidence within the regime is compounded by growing public discontent in Iran over the government’s costly and unjustified foreign policies. Acknowledging this sensitivity, Khamenei admitted, “The public opinion of the country is involved in these issues. They have questions, they have words, and it is necessary to resolve the ambiguities.”
Fear of Internal Collapse
Faced with rising domestic dissatisfaction, Khamenei has resorted to threatening voices of dissent. He warned, “If someone speaks in a way that scares the people and makes them hopeless, this is a crime and should be prosecuted.” Such rhetoric highlights the regime’s growing fear of internal collapse, as public awareness of its failures continues to grow.
The collapse of Assad’s regime in Syria would mark a significant blow to Tehran, undermining its status as a regional power and hastening the downfall of its authoritarian rule. For the Iranian people, this represents a glimmer of hope—a step toward dismantling the regime’s oppressive grip and paving the way for meaningful change.
Conclusion
The Iranian regime’s strategic failure in Syria underscores its inability to adapt to changing geopolitical realities. Despite Khamenei’s attempts to project strength and deflect blame, the cracks in the regime’s foundation are becoming increasingly visible. This failure has not only weakened Iran’s regional influence but also deepened domestic discontent, bringing the regime closer to a tipping point. As the bells of change ring louder, the people of Iran may find renewed hope in the prospect of a future free from tyranny and repression.
Source » irannewsupdate