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Assad Appeals to Trump, Offers to Cut Ties with Iran-Backed Groups as Rebels Threaten Damascus

Dec 7, 2024, 07:29 PM

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is reportedly making indirect diplomatic overtures to the United States and President-elect Donald Trump in an effort to remain in power as rebels advance closer to the capital, Damascus. With support from Iran and Russia limited, rebels have seized ground, intensifying the threat to Assad's regime. According to sources cited in reports, Assad has offered to cut all ties with Iran-backed militant groups, including Hezbollah, if Western powers assist in ending the fighting. He has proposed enacting a new constitution and agreed to hold talks with the political opposition. Additionally, Assad sent a Christian leader to Hungary to highlight potential threats to Syria's Christian minority if Islamist rebels succeed. He has ordered his troops to redeploy to defend Damascus, signaling the seriousness of the rebel threat. The overtures have been made via back-channels through the United Arab Emirates, aiming to secure either continued control over remaining territories or a safe exit if necessary.