Iran accuses US and Israel of plotting to overthrow Syrian government

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on December 11 gave his first speech about Syria since Bashar al-Assad was ousted from the presidency and flew to Russia.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei speaks in Tehran in this photo released on December 11.

"It is clear that what happened in Syria was a joint plan of the United States and the Zionist regime (meaning Israel). A neighboring government of Syria also played a clear role in this. Everyone sees this, but the mastermind and command center are in the United States and the Zionist regime," Khamenei was quoted by Iranian media as saying, adding that he had clear evidence.

Although the leader did not specify the name of the remaining country, Western media said that Mr. Khamenei was referring to Türkiye, Syria's neighbor and a supporter of military forces opposing the al-Assad government.

Türkiye controls much of northern Syria after a series of cross-border operations against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia. Türkiye has been a major backer of opposition groups fighting Mr. al-Assad’s government since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, according to Reuters.

In his speech, Khamenei also declared that the Iran-led coalition would increase its strength in the region regardless of the new developments. "The more pressure, the stronger the resistance movement will be," he said.

The US and Israel have not commented on the Iranian leader's statement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to travel to Ankara on December 13 to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the situation in Syria, according to Reuters.

Iran supports the al-Assad regime and has deployed its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to Syria to defend its ally. Hours after the fall of the al-Assad regime, Iran said it hoped to maintain ties with Syria based on a far-sighted and wise approach, calling on the new government to ensure inclusiveness and representation of all sectors of society.

Syria's interim Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir, who is backed by the new forces controlling the government in Damascus, on December 11 called on Syrian refugees abroad to return home.

"Syria is now a free country that has won pride and honor. Come back," al-Bashir told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera , pledging to guarantee the rights of all Syrians and sects.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/iran-cao-buoc-my-va-israel-chu-muu-lat-do-chinh-quyen-syria-18524121116555039.htm