Iran's "Mehr" news agency reported the formation of a new organization pledging "to defend Syria from occupation." The move signals an Iranian effort to preserve its influence in the region.
According to Bloomberg, the request came directly from Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a February phone call, based on sources familiar with the situation.
According to a report by Reuters, senior Russian officials made several visits over the past year. The group included 7 weapons experts with military backgrounds, 2 of whom specialize in air defense missile systems.
Shortly after an Israeli flag was raised in southern Syria's Druze Mountain region, local Syrians removed it and set it on fire, an act interpreted as a protest against Israeli support for the Druze community in the region.
Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while he initially supported dialogue with the US due to his country's economic crisis, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei opposes any such talks. The president also highlighted the severe impact of sanctions on Iran.
Recent clashes have erupted between the new Syrian regime and armed groups. "If the regime harms the Druze, it will face consequences from us," Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz declared in a joint statement. Initial reports indicate that Israel has carried out an attack in Damascus.
As relations between Israel and Turkey deteriorate over the war in Gaza, Jerusalem is increasingly concerned about Ankara’s influence on Syria’s new Islamist leadership.
"They [Iranian authorities] are just waiting for the attack and are anticipating it every night and everything has been on high alert – even in sites that no one knows about," one source revealed to The Telegraph. "
Public services shut down, the workweek shortened, and schools closed in most of the country – Iran's energy crisis is growing. The ayatollah regime is attempting to deflect responsibility for its failures. Meanwhile, Iran’s chief of staff suggests a capitalist solution.
"We are in the stage of rebuilding the country. The unity of arms and the state's monopoly over them are not luxuries but a necessity," Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said.