He also claimed Iranian intelligence had sent warnings to the Assad government about a possible attack for three months and predicted Syrian youth would eventually recapture the country, remarks that are unlikely to make it easier for Iran to build strong relations with the new leaders in Damascus.
Making his first comments since the collapse of a key pillar of Iran's "axis of resistance", Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told a gathering in Tehran: "There should be no doubt that what happened in Syria is the product of a joint American and Zionist plan. Yes, a neighbouring government in Syria plays an obvious role in this regard, and is still playing it - everyone sees this - but the main conspirator, mastermind and command centre are in America and the Zionist regime. We have evidence. This evidence leaves no room for doubt."
His reference to a neighbouring government seems to be about Turkey, which played a key role in supporting the opposition forces that fanned out from Idlib in a well-planned military operation that was far more successful than they had ever envisaged.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin December 12, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin December 12, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Arsenal investigate antisemitic posts on X
Arsenal are investigating a series of antisemitic social media posts from an account allegedly belonging to a member of their staff.
A vote without a vote The Saudi World Cup is an act of violence and disdain
The shamelessness of Fifa's process was fully on show in Zurich during a display of contempt for governance, democracy, love, hope and good sense
'Many migrant workers will die': the human cost of 2034
Millions will build stadiums and hotels but testimony suggests abuse is deeply entrenched in Saudi Arabia
Built to order What will Saudi tournament look like?
Fifa's bid evaluation report left no doubt: Saudi Arabia had put together the most convincing, highest-scoring package of all time.
Gomez 'blessed to stay at best club in the world'
Joe Gomez says he is \"blessed\" to be at Liverpool after a summer in which the prospect of leaving was real.
Vlahovic and McKennie pile on the pain for Guardiola's struggling City
Missing in action during the past six weeks: Manchester City's pizzazz. It was absent here again, in the latest moping performance that has become the odd, yet recognisable face of Pep Guardiola's formerly supreme team.
Saka doubles up to put Arsenal on the verge of qualification
It would normally be over by now, the Champions League group stage done and dusted and yet there are still two more ties for Arsenal; a test of their physicality, the depth of their reserves as well as their resolve.
Ramirez stunner steals show as Twente hit for six
Chelsea cruised to a 14th straight victory in all competitions with a crushing win over FC Twente in the Women's Champions League.
Amorim says Ashworth exit a 'bad situation'
Ruben Amorim admits sporting director Dan Ashworth's shock exit is \"a bad situation\" but the Manchester United head coach believes the club's vision remains unaffected.
Abdullah puts Blades sale on hold with eyes on promotion
Sheffield United's owner, Prince Abdullah, has put the sale of the club on hold in the hope of cashing in if Chris Wilder's side are promoted to the Premier League.