Iranian general criticizes Russia, claiming they dropped bombs in Syrian fields and "turned off radars."

A high-ranking Iranian general, Behruz Esbati, declared a defeat in Syria and made several accusations against Russia. This was reported on January 8 by the publication The New York Times.

"I do not consider the loss of Syria something to be proud of. We suffered a defeat, and it was a very serious one; we took a significant hit, and it was very difficult," he noted.

According to the general, Iran's relationship with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had been tense for months, leading to his removal. The leader rejected numerous proposals to open a front against Israel, despite being presented with comprehensive military plans to utilize Syrian resources for an attack.

Esbati also criticized Russia, which is regarded as the main ally of the country. He accused the Russian Federation of lying about the bombing of Syrian rebels by its aircraft, stating that, in reality, the bombs were falling in open fields. Furthermore, during Israel's strikes on Iranian targets in Syria in 2024, Moscow "turned off the radars," effectively acting in favor of the attack.

The general assured that Iran would seek ways to engage rebels in any form of a new Syria.

"We can activate all the networks we have worked with for many years. We can mobilize social layers where our guys have lived for years; we can be active on social media and can form resistance cells. Now we can operate there, as well as on other international arenas, and we have already started," he stated.

Behruz Esbati is the chief commander of the Iranian Armed Forces, which include military personnel and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In Syria, he led Iranian operations, closely coordinating with Syrian ministers and defense officials, as well as with Russian generals.

The Iranian general deemed the fall of the al-Assad regime inevitable, citing corruption, "political oppression," and economic problems in Syria. He noted that local residents lacked electricity, fuel, and money. Esbati blamed the ousted president for ignoring warnings about necessary reforms.

It should be noted that Syrian analysts from Verify-Sy reported that the Minister of Justice of the interim government, Shadi al-Waisi, sentenced women to execution when he was a judge. The death penalty was imposed for corruption, prostitution, and "adultery."

Media reports indicated that there was an attempt on the life of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Russian sources informed about a possible poisoning attempt that made the politician feel unwell, but allegedly, doctors managed to save him.