A "blame game" is unfolding in Tehran, according to an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) official on Tuesday, following the collapse of the Assad regime and the apparent disintegration of Iran's regional axis aimed at expanding its influence in the Middle East.
An Iranian official told the British Telegraph that no one anticipated Assad fleeing Syria after a decade of efforts to keep him in power. This was not because Assad was particularly beloved in Tehran but because his regime provided Iran with proximity to Hezbollah and the Israeli border.
IDF strikes on Syria-Lebanon border
Iran had poured billions of dollars into propping up Assad's regime after intervening in the Syrian civil war. Yet Assad fled the country shortly before rebels reached Damascus, following their surprise uprising, which began after a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah—Iran's key proxy—came into effect.
The official, speaking to the Telegraph, said Iran needed operatives on the ground to receive arms, but those individuals had either been killed or had escaped. Now, Tehran is scrambling to comprehend the unfolding crisis and assess its potential risks to Iran’s broader interests.
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Blame is reportedly being directed at Esmail Qaani, commander of the IRGC Quds Force, for allowing the Syrian military to dissolve. However, no one dares confront him directly. "He did nothing to prevent Iran's interests from disintegrating," the official said, adding that Iran’s allies had fallen one after another under Qaani’s watch. He warned of even darker days ahead.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is expected to address the developments on Wednesday. His office has indicated that Iran hopes to maintain "friendly" relations with Syria.
Behind the scenes, however, Tehran is in turmoil. Rumors suggest that Qaani may be replaced. Following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel in September, Qaani reportedly disappeared from public view for a time, amid speculation he was under investigation. The IRGC official revealed that Khamenei had summoned senior commanders several times in recent days as Syrian rebels advanced, leading to heated discussions about how Iran should address its supporters.