On Monday, July 19, 2021, Iran and Syria inked a defense agreement as part of their strategic partnership. The agreement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with both countries facing significant security challenges. Let`s take a closer look at what this agreement means for Iran and Syria, and how it fits into the broader geopolitical landscape.
The defense agreement between Iran and Syria aims to strengthen their cooperation in various areas, including the defense industry, military training, and intelligence sharing. The two countries have long been allies, with Iran providing military and financial support to the Syrian regime during the civil war that has been raging for more than a decade. The agreement is seen as a further step in enhancing their strategic partnership and bolstering their respective defenses against common threats.
So what are these common threats that Iran and Syria are facing? For Syria, the primary challenge is its ongoing civil war. Despite significant territorial gains by the Syrian regime, the conflict is far from over, and various rebel groups and extremist organizations continue to pose a threat. In recent months, there has been an uptick in fighting, particularly in the northwestern province of Idlib, which is still controlled by rebel forces.
Iran, on the other hand, is facing its own set of security challenges, both domestically and regionally. Internally, the country is grappling with an economic crisis, political unrest, and widespread protests. Regionally, Iran is facing pressure from the United States, its regional rival Saudi Arabia, and Israel, the latter of which has been carrying out covert operations against Iranian targets in Syria.
The defense agreement between Iran and Syria thus serves as a deterrent against such threats. By bolstering their respective defenses, the two countries are sending a message to their enemies that they will not hesitate to defend themselves. Moreover, the agreement also signals a deeper alignment between Iran and Syria, both of which are facing international isolation and pressure.
From a broader geopolitical perspective, the defense agreement between Iran and Syria also has implications for the wider Middle East. Iran`s growing influence in the region, particularly through its support for proxy forces in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, has been a source of concern for regional rivals such as Saudi Arabia and Israel. The defense agreement with Syria is thus likely to further exacerbate these tensions, especially given Israel`s repeated strikes on Iranian positions in Syria.
In conclusion, the defense agreement between Iran and Syria is a significant development in the region, with implications for both countries and the wider Middle East. While it is too early to say how it will play out, it is clear that Iran and Syria are seeking to deepen their strategic partnership and enhance their defenses against common threats. Whether this will lead to greater stability or greater tensions, however, remains to be seen.