Iran claims US, Israel ‘coordinating’ jihadist offensive in Syria

(MENAFN) Iran has accused the United States and Israel of coordinating a jihadist offensive in northern Syria, which began last week with an attack by the Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) group and allied militias. The assault on Syrian government-held territories in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama provinces occurred shortly after Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei suggested that the timing of the attack, along with statements from US officials, pointed to cooperation between the terrorists, the US, and Israel.

Baghaei claimed that the offensive was part of a broader strategy to weaken Syria and foster division among Islamic nations, with Israel benefiting the most from the unrest. He also accused the US of aiding militant groups in Syria and Israel of acting as a destabilizing force in the region. Iran is working with regional powers, including Russia and Türkiye, to restore a ceasefire agreement mediated in 2020.

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