The Syrian capital, Damascus, fell to rebel forces on Sunday, marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad‘s 24-year rule and signaling a potential new chapter for a country ravaged by more than a decade of civil war. The swift capture of key cities, including the strategic Homs and Aleppo, severed vital connections between Damascus and Assad’s strongholds, culminating in his abrupt departure to an undisclosed location.
Assad’s exit leaves a power vacuum in a region already fraught with instability, sparking a flurry of international reactions. Leaders across the globe have weighed in on the unfolding developments.
Iran calls for dialogue amidst chaos
Tehran, a steadfast ally of Assad, called for unity and dialogue. Iran’s foreign ministry highlighted the importance of Syria’s sovereignty, urging a swift end to hostilities and a focus on national reconciliation. The ministry pledged continued support for a political resolution and reaffirmed its commitment to the longstanding bond between Iran and Syria.
Israel: A victory against the iranian axis
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Assad’s downfall as a significant blow to the Iranian alliance. He credited Israel’s efforts in weakening Hezbollah and Iranian influence, stating, “We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border.”
Biden says monitoring closely, Trump says ‘Putin isn’t protecting Assad anymore’
US President Joe Biden acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasising collaboration with regional partners. “President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners,” the White House said in a statement.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump, in a characteristically blunt post on Truth Social, declared, “Assad is gone… Putin wasn’t interested in protecting him anymore,” tying Assad’s fate to Russia’s weakened state amid other global conflicts.
Russia: Focus on stability
The Russian foreign ministry confirmed Assad’s departure but distanced itself from facilitating his exit. Moscow assured that its military bases in Syria remained secure and advocated for restraint among all factions. “Russia is in touch with all opposition groups and urges calm,” the statement read.
Regional powers react
Middle Eastern nations offered varied responses. Iraqi officials stressed the importance of non-interference, while Qatar renewed its call for peace aligned with the UN’s 2015 resolution for political transition. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, said that it has been communicating with all regional actors and is determined to do what is possible to avoid a chaotic outcome for the country, a Saudi official told Reuters.
Turkey: A call for prudence
Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan stressed the importance of territorial integrity and warned against revenge-driven policies. “The new Syria should not pose a threat to its neighbors,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity among opposition groups and vigilance against terrorist exploitation.