Syria’s New Leadership Rejects Iranian Influence

In an interview with Al-Arabiya, Al-Shara emphasized the Syrian people’s independence, expressing hope for constructive relationships with regional and global powers—excluding Tehran if its interventionist agenda continues.

Formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani during his leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Al-Shara reiterated Syria’s desire for sovereignty free from foreign influence. “We did not enter Tehran or southern Lebanon; we entered our own cities and villages,” he stated, rejecting Iran’s footprint in Syria. He revealed that Syrian authorities have shuttered Iranian-affiliated bases and offices as part of their commitment to national sovereignty.

Al-Shara responded to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s denial of Tehran’s proxy forces’ involvement in Syria, accusing Khamenei of attempting to destabilize Syria’s transitional government. He described Iran’s actions as “historical vengeance” and unacceptable to the Syrian people.

#Iran News: #Syria TV Exposes Files Revealing Iran’s Infiltration in Syrian Security Forces and Use of Torturehttps://t.co/fzvOoUQBdf

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 29, 2024

Despite the challenges of stabilizing the country and managing tensions with Kurdish forces, Al-Shara announced plans to integrate Kurdish units into Syria’s defense ministry to strengthen national unity. Thousands of Iranian-backed forces, including Hezbollah and militias like Fatemiyoun and Zainabiyoun, have withdrawn from Syria, signaling Tehran’s failure to maintain influence after Assad’s fall.

Al-Shara condemned Iran’s harmful policies and highlighted the Syrian people’s demand for a peaceful and sovereign future. With the new government prioritizing security, development, and regional cooperation, Iran’s interventionist strategies face growing rejection, leaving it increasingly isolated on the international stage.