Iran's Esbati Accuses Russia Over Syria Conflict

Brigadier General Behrouz Esbati of Iran has publicly criticized Russia for its alleged failures in Syria, claiming Moscow misled Tehran about its military operations. In a rare departure from Iran's usual diplomatic stance, Esbati stated that Russian forces bombed open desert instead of targeting Syrian rebels, contributing to the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. He accused Russia of turning off its radar during Israeli airstrikes, which facilitated attacks on Iranian positions in Syria. Esbati also highlighted internal corruption within Syria as a significant factor in Assad's downfall, noting widespread bribery among officials. The general's remarks signal growing tensions between Iran and Russia, as well as between Iran and the Syrian leadership, particularly after Assad rejected Iranian proposals for attacks on Israel. This candid critique underscores the shifting geopolitical landscape in the region following Assad's ouster, as various factions vie for control in the power vacuum left behind.