“Iran scrambles to build ties with Syrian leaders as regional influence wanes,” Guardian, 12-20-24.

Fascinating.  Iran is not getting this far with HTS.  “Top US diplomat says Iran won’t have future role in Syria after meeting HTS leader,” Al Arabiya, 12-20-24.  “Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf revealed that she had told al-Sharaa that Washington would no longer pursue the $10 million bounty on his head. It is unclear whether or not the US will revoke al-Sharaa’s terror designation and remove the HTS from its terror blacklist. Leaf said al-Sharaa vowed to not allow terrorist groups to operate in Syria or threaten the US or neighboring countries. Asked about Iran’s future role in Syria, Leaf said: “If I’m to judge by today, Iran will have no role whatsoever, and it shouldn’t.” She added: “Frankly, Iran has had decades now of the most predatory destructive behavior and presence in Syria and during the war itself, of course, mustered foreign militias, its own IRGC forces, Hezbollah fighters, and really preyed upon and really viciously brutalized the Syrian people.””

“US charges Iran Revolutionary Guards officer for 2022 murder of American in Baghdad,” Times of Israel, 12-20-24.

We’ve been waiting for this type of story.  “Jerusalem Post: Hamas documents uncover Iran’s weapons smuggling routes,” Iran International, 12-20-24.

Funny if not so serious.  “Iranian officialdom struggles to make sense of Syria exodus,” Iran International, 12-20-24.