Iran has begun withdrawing its military commanders and personnel from Syria, signaling a significant shift in its involvement in the country’s 13-year civil war, the New York Times reported, quoting regional officials and three Iranian sources.
The move comes as President Bashar al-Assad faces intensified challenges from resurgent rebel forces.
Among those evacuated to neighboring Iraq and Lebanon are top commanders from Iran’s Quds Force, the elite branch of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, as well as Iranian diplomatic staff, their families, and other civilians, the officials said as quoted by the NYT.
The evacuation began on Friday morning, with some leaving by plane to Tehran and others traveling overland to Lebanon, Iraq, and the Syrian port city of Latakia.
“Iran is starting to evacuate its forces and military personnel because we cannot fight as an advisory and support force if Syria’s army itself does not want to fight,” said Mehdi Rahmati, a prominent Iranian analyst who advises officials on regional strategy. “The bottom line,” he added, “is that Iran has realized it cannot manage the situation in Syria with any military operation, and this option is off the table.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards personnel and other officials have supported Mr. al-Assad throughout the war, providing critical military and logistical assistance. Syria has also served as a strategic corridor for Iran to supply weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
However, officials familiar with the situation say the evacuations, including staff from the Iranian Embassy in Damascus and several Revolutionary Guards bases, reflect Iran’s assessment that it can no longer sustain its military role in Syria under the current conditions.
Earlier this week, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, met with Mr. al-Assad in Damascus, pledging continued support for the Syrian government. But the evacuations suggest Tehran may be shifting its approach as the conflict continues to evolve.
