Iran faces Public Backlash Over Syria Policy As Russia Signals Possible Withdrawl

Iran is facing a wave of public criticism following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, a longtime ally, spreading across social media, television, and newspapers, with conservatives and reformists alike questioning the billions spent and lives lost in support of the Assad government.

Former lawmaker Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, who denounced Iran's investment in Syria as a waste. "No one will be able to squander Iran's dollars on maintaining a spider web anymore," he said.

The controversy has also led to broader questioning of Iran's decades-long strategy of supporting militant groups in its so-called "axis of resistance," including Hamas and Hezbollah.

Mohammad Shariati Dehghan, a former Iranian representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, wrote in Ham Mihan newspaper that the fall of Assad exposed the flaws in Iran's foreign policy and called for a shift toward building alliances with nations rather than propping up militant proxies.

Iran's leadership has offered mixed responses. President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the Syrian people's right to self-determination. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei blamed the U.S., Israel, and regional actors for Assad's downfall, vowing that the "resistance" movement would prevail.

On the ground, the consequences are stark. Iranians watched as rebels celebrated Assad's overthrow, tearing down symbols of Iran's influence in Syria, including its embassy in Damascus. Iranian officials privately admitted that the loss had upended Tehran's strategic foothold, leaving it scrambling to maintain a minimal diplomatic presence in Syria.

As Iran navigates this fallout, analysts predict lasting damage to its regional ambitions and strained public support for its foreign policy.

For many, Assad's collapse marks the end of an era and raises questions about the future of Iran's strategy in the Middle East. Satellite Images Suggest Russian Military Withdrawal from Syria Following Assad's Fall.

Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies has revealed signs that Russian forces may be preparing to withdraw from Syria following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Photos taken at Moscow's main air base in Syria show two An-124 heavy transport aircraft with open nose cones, ready to load cargo. Nearby, equipment such as a Ka-52 attack helicopter and an S-400 air-defense system appeared to be dismantled, likely for transport.

The Khmeimim air base and Tartus naval facility, key hubs for Russia's military operations in Syria, have long symbolized Moscow's intervention in the region. Russian forces had used these bases to launch airstrikes against rebel factions and to support Assad's regime. However, the recent political upheaval in Syria has left the future of these installations uncertain.

The loss of these bases would significantly damage Russia's regional influence. Tartus, in particular, is one of Russia's few warm-water ports and has served as a vital asset for projecting power into the Eastern Mediterranean and Africa. Without access to these facilities, Moscow may explore alternative locations, such as Algeria, Sudan, or Libya, though none offer the same strategic advantages as Syria.

"The Russian Mediterranean Task Force remains in limbo, anchored on the edge of Syria's territorial waters," noted Frederik Van Lokeren, a former Belgian Navy officer and analyst, on X. "Russia is not yet willing to fully withdraw."

Despite dismantling equipment at Khmeimim, Maxar reported no significant change in the position of Russian ships since December 10, with two frigates still stationed offshore near Tartus.

Moscow has begun negotiations with Syria's new political leadership to retain access to its military installations. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov confirmed that discussions are ongoing, though no progress has been reported.

For now, experts remain divided on the scope of Russia's withdrawal. "The Russian withdrawal is picking up steam," posted Dara Massicot, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, adding that it remains unclear whether the pullout will be partial or complete.

Russia's presence in Syria had been a cornerstone of its broader strategy to expand its influence in the Middle East and North Africa. Its military operations in Syria served as a template for interventions in other countries, such as Libya and the Central African Republic, where Russian Wagner Group mercenaries have bolstered authoritarian leaders.

The potential loss of Khmeimim and Tartus underscores Russia's challenges in maintaining its regional foothold amid shifting political landscapes. While Moscow appears reluctant to abandon its presence in Syria entirely, the fall of Assad has disrupted decades of Russian strategy, forcing the Kremlin to reassess its position in the region.

Annelise Hanson is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email amh8563@psu.edu.