The absence of Syrian leader Assad at the late Iranian president Raisi funeral has raised concerns and illustrates wider divide between the two nations, a security expert say
According to Avi Melamed, a former Israeli Intelligence official and regional analyst, the absence of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from the state funeral of Iranian President Raisi is a possible indication of the increasing frustrations and tensions between Syria and Iran.
Melamed suggests that these tensions stem from Israel’s successful intelligence and military operations against Iranian targets in Syria.
Elanza News gathered from an intelligence source that during the Syrian civil war, the Assad regime relied heavily on Iran’s support to maintain control.
It was gathered that Iran took advantage of the situation to expand its influence in the region by establishing a land corridor from Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
But sources say Assad has refused to reimburse Iran for its military investment in Syria, causing strains in their relationship.
The civil war and alliance with Iran also strained Syria’s foreign relations with Arab states, including wealthy nations that could invest in Syria’s reconstruction.
Syria has been working to improve its standing with these nations and has recently been readmitted to the Arab League.
This has raised suspicions in Iran that Assad may prioritize his rapprochement with the Arab world and wealthier states over repaying his debt and maintaining ties with Iran.
Interestingly, Assad’s forces have not engaged in Iran’s proxy war with Israel since October 7.
Instead, Israel has been successful in targeting and prosecuting Iranian assets in Syria, possibly with the help of insiders within the Syrian intelligence and defense establishments.
This inability of Syria to identify and prosecute those betraying Iranian targets has led to Iran adjusting its forces and growing frustration towards a nation they believe owes them, it was gathered.
Elanza News understands that these developments highlight the complex dynamics between Syria, Iran, and Israel, with potential implications for the region’s stability.
