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On December 26, Mohammad-Reza Baqeri, former Deputy Foreign Minister and the Iranian regime’s ambassador to Libya, Kuwait, Turkey, and Syria, appeared on the state television program Special News Talk to discuss the situation in Syria. His comments, closely aligned with the positions of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, revealed the depth of concern among Tehran’s leadership about the regime’s uncertain future and the broader implications for the region.
Baqeri attempted to downplay the regime’s devastating loss in Syria, stating, “In the past, they requested our military assistance, but this time they did not. It seemed that Bashar [al-Assad] did not believe he could win, and some of his ministers and commanders had already abandoned him. Their lack of confidence meant there was no reason for us to intervene.”
The former diplomat did not hide his disdain for the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). He accused them of spreading despair through social media and added, “Those who comment from abroad, especially from Albania and hostile networks, are well aware that the resistance is not over. Resistance operates like interconnected rings, and developments in Syria could take on a more serious form.”
#Iran News: #Syrian Leader Accuses Iran’s Regime and Hezbollah of Fueling Coastal Protestshttps://t.co/tE8DqnEkUG
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 27, 2024
Baqeri also targeted internal dissent within the Iranian establishment, criticizing voices that acknowledge Tehran’s regional strategy failures. He argued, “Some speak against the principles of our constitution, which mandates support for Muslims and opposition to oppression. If we act correctly, victory is assured. This resistance is led by our Supreme Leader, and it is our responsibility to mobilize and instill hope in the people.”
In his comments, Baqeri attacked Ahmad Al-Sharaa, leader of the Harakat Tahrir al-Sham movement in Syria, labeling him a “temporary” figure installed by external powers such as the United States and Israel. He stated, “This scenario is designed to signal stability to Israel and establish footholds for America, but this individual is weak and short-lived.”
Baqeri highlighted two potential scenarios that the regime likes to apply for Syria’s future: either a figure aligned with Western interests would rise, or prolonged chaos akin to Libya’s situation would persist. He warned against Syria’s partition, which, he claimed, would harm neighboring countries like Turkey due to increased Kurdish-related challenges.
Baqeri downplayed fears of regional spillover, asserting, “The enemy propagates the idea that Iran and Iraq are next, but I disagree. Even in the U.S., there are rational figures who understand that destabilizing Iran would harm them more. If a fire is ignited in Iran, it will spread elsewhere.”
#Iran News: Syrian Foreign Minister Warns #Tehran Against Spreading Chaos Amid Regional Shiftshttps://t.co/yKGvwihqeB
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 25, 2024
However, his remarks included thinly veiled threats of increased terrorism in the region. “If terrorist groups gain power, it will endanger the entire region, especially neighbors like Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq,” he warned.
Baqeri concluded by endorsing the regime’s Supreme Leader Khamenei’s stance, dismissing doubt and pessimism while emphasizing what he called “the importance of Syrian youth in future resistance.” He declared, “No statement is more definitive than that of the Supreme Leader. His words reject despair and emphasize the serious nature of resistance and future vision.”
On December 22, Khamenei addressed a group of supporters, urging the followers of the former Syrian dictator to rise against the newly established government in Damascus. “A strong and honorable movement must emerge in Syria to confront these new rulers,” Khamenei declared, adding, “The Syrian youth have nothing to lose. Their universities, schools, homes, and streets are unsafe. What should they do? They must stand firmly against those who have designed and executed this insecurity.”
Baqeri’s comments underscore the Tehran regime’s precarious position as it grapples with regional setbacks and mounting internal and external pressures. His remarks not only reflect anxiety about the regime’s survival but also hint at the dangerous strategies Tehran will certainly pursue to serve its own survival strategy.