Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused the US and Israel of orchestrating the Syrian government’s collapse, claiming evidence supports this. He also hinted at a neighboring country’s involvement without specifying which. The rapid fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime followed a surprise rebel offensive in late November, capturing major cities and leading to Assad’s exile in Moscow. Syria’s 13-year conflict began in 2011, resulting in significant casualties and displacement. Assad, backed by Iran and Russia, had regained control until the recent offensive by opposition forces.