Iran maneuvers around gaps to preserve interests in Syria

Iranian troops in Syria

Hamidreza Azizi, in Al Monitor, writes, “President Donald Trump’s May 8 decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has caused international debate on Iran to be mostly focused on the implications of the US move — including the future of the nuclear deal. Yet given the recent and ongoing developments in Syria amid Iran’s active involvement there, the potential of the Syrian crisis to determine the future of Iran’s role in the region remains largely unaffected. Nonetheless, as Western states endeavor to redefine their role on the Syrian stage, Iran has felt the need to adapt its approach to the new equations.”

“One important development in this regard that could directly affect Iran’s role and interests in Syria is a clear shift in the European approach from playing a mostly political and diplomatic role toward military and operational activism on the ground. …

“All in all, it could be said that the cornerstone of Iran’s approach to continue its active role in Syria despite the increased Western activism is to try to build upon the gaps among the West’s counterparts and to use such differences in Iran’s favor. Although it is still too soon to speak about the prospects for the success of this approach, one thing is certain: Iran is not about to make any compromise over its presence and core interests in Syria.” (more…)