Iran Reaches Out to New Syrian Leadership, Seeks to Maintain Influence
Iran has initiated backchannel communications with groups within Syria‘s new leadership, reflecting Tehran’s desperate attempt to salvage its regional influence losing its key ally, Bashar al-Assad. This comes after the fall of Assad’s regime.
A senior Iranian official, speaking on the record, emphasized Iran’s goal was to "prevent a hostile trajectory" between the two countries. The official emphasized Implants, "We fear the shift in power in Damascus could negatively impact Iran’s regional influence, a cornerstone of our strategic interests."
Within hours of Assad’s downfall, Tehran signaled its intention to engage with the new Syrian leadership. They stressed the importance of “farsighted and wise" relations and called for an inclusive government encompassing all segments of Syrian society.
. A central concern for Iran is whether Assad’s successor will shift Syria away from its orbit, a scenario Tehran is determined to avoid, according to a senior official. "We’re not panicked,
according to three Iranian officials. But we are working diplomatically to connect
with those in Syria’s new ruling group whose views align with our own".
Losing Assad as a key ally is a serious setback for Teharan. It denies Iran crucial access to the Mediterranean and a functional supply route to Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group.
A senior official noted, "Maintaining engagement is vital to stabilizing regional issues" emphasizes the importance of avoiding further instability."
Two Iranian officials expressed concerns about Donald Trump’s potential use of Assad’s removal to exert leverage on Iran. They fear Trump, returning to power in January 2025, will leverage the situation to force concessions from Tehran
or inflame the situation,
according to a senior Iranian official. Two Iranian officials expressed
concerns about Donald Trump’s potential use to exert further pressure on Iran. They fear
Trump, returning to power in January 2025, will leverage the situation to force concessions.
. News of this outreach signifies a major shift in Iran’s strategy. Previously, failing to prevent Assad’s downfall represents.
They worry
that he will exert
pressure on Iran. These proverbial
"It highlights Tehran’s diminishing regional influence. contributed $billions to support Assad during Syria’s 2011 civil war and deployed its Revolutionary Guards to bolster Assad’s position andקיש Iran
remove
The Islamic Republic
.
How are other regional and international powers responding to Iran’s efforts to maintain its influence in post-Assad Syria?
## Iran’s Scramble to Maintain Influence in Post-Assad Syria
**Interviewer:** We’re joined today by Dr. Layla Rashid, a Middle East expert from the Institute for International Studies. Dr. Rashid, Iran has been quick to reach out to the new Syrian government after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. How significant is this move?
**Dr. Rashid:** This is a significant, and perhaps even desperate, move by Iran. As detailed in a recent Council on Foreign Relations expert brief [[1](https://www.cfr.org/expert-brief/will-iran-become-more-dangerous-after-assads-ouster-syria) ], Syria was crucial to Iran’s regional strategy. It served as a vital link to Lebanon and its proxy, Hezbollah. Losing Assad represents a major blow to Iran’s regional influence.
**Interviewer:** So, what are Iran’s primary concerns now?
**Dr. Rashid:** Iran fears being sidelined in a post-Assad Syria. They want to prevent a shift towards alliances that are hostile to their interests. As the Iranian official quoted in the news stated, they see the change in power in Damascus as a potential threat to their strategic interests in the region.
**Interviewer:** What does this outreach to the new leadership look like?
**Dr. Rashid:** It seems they are engaging in backchannel communications, seeking to establish a dialog and build relationships with key figures in the new Syrian government. Public statements emphasize the need for “farsighted and wise” relations and an inclusive government,[perhapsasawayofportrayingthemselvesasconstructivepartnersinthisnewera[perhapsasawayofportrayingthemselvesasconstructivepartnersinthisnewera[perhapsasawayofportrayingthemselvesasconstructivepartnersinthisnewera[perhapsasawayofportrayingthemselvesasconstructivepartnersinthisnewera
**Interviewer:** Do you think Iran will be successful in maintaining its influence in Syria?
**Dr. Rashid:** It’s too early to say. The success will depend on several factors, including the willingness of the new Syrian leadership to cooperate and the geopolitical dynamics in the region. Iran faces competition from other powers vying for influence, and the Syrian people themselves will have a significant say in shaping their country’s future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Rashid. This is certainly a situation to watch closely in the coming months.
