Official statements from Iranian officials reported by international news agencies

Iranian General Behrouz Esbati Admits Severe Defeat in Syria, Plans Resistance

Jan 9, 2025, 10:15 AM

Iran's top military official in Syria, Brig. Gen. Behrouz Esbati, has publicly acknowledged a severe defeat in the country following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. In a speech delivered in Tehran, Esbati admitted that Iran was 'defeated very badly' and had suffered a 'very big blow.' He criticized the relationship with Assad, noting that tensions arose due to Assad's refusal to allow Iranian-backed militias to launch attacks on Israel from Syrian territory. Esbati also accused Russia of undermining Iranian efforts by bombing open fields instead of rebel targets and deactivating radar systems during Israeli strikes on Iranian assets in Syria. Despite the defeat, Esbati stated Iran's intention to continue operations in Syria by activating networks and forming resistance cells.