Political turmoil engulfs Syria as President Bashar al-Assad and his family flee Damascus amid unprecedented rebel advances.

According to Knewz.com, Islamist rebels have declared the overthrow of the Syrian government, leading to a chain of events that included an attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus by unidentified gunmen.

The situation escalated rapidly as rebel groups consolidated their control over key areas of Damascus.

Iranian state media was quick to distance the embassy attackers from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the primary rebel organization involved in recent advances against Assad's forces.

Russian Diplomatic Response Confirms Power Shift

Russia's Foreign Ministry acknowledged Assad's departure, revealing that negotiations with rebel groups preceded his exit.

The statement emphasized Assad's alleged instructions for a peaceful transfer of power, marking a significant shift in Moscow's stance toward its longtime ally.

Former U.S. President Trump reportedly attempted to intervene by contacting Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease tensions. Putin's response, however, involved strengthening his nuclear doctrine, demonstrating Russia's unwillingness to compromise on its strategic interests in the region.

Military intelligence analyst Rebekah Koffler provided insights into the situation, stating:

Before Assad's fall, President Trump reportedly called Putin to de-escalate tensions, but instead, Putin doubled down by escalating his nuclear doctrine, signaling a refusal to back down. Now that Assad, one of Putin's key allies, has lost Syria, the balance of power shifts dramatically.

Iranian Strategic Position Weakens in Middle East

Iran's hasty evacuation of most diplomatic personnel from Syria, leaving only essential staff, underscores the severity of the situation. The development represents a significant blow to Iran's regional influence and strategic positioning.

Atlantic Council senior non-resident fellow Ksenia Svetlova emphasized the historic nature of these events:

This is an unprecedented, historic moment. The Iranian 'Ring of Fire,' meticulously built by Qassem Soleimani, has been shattered. If Soleimani was still alive, he would be horrified to see the collapse of his life's work.

The collapse of Iranian influence in Syria creates a potential power vacuum that various regional actors may attempt to fill.

Security experts express concern about the long-term implications for regional stability and the potential emergence of new power dynamics.

Rebel Leadership Seeks International Legitimacy

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has begun efforts to reshape his organization's public image while maintaining its fundamental Islamist principles.

This strategic repositioning aims to gain international recognition and legitimacy for the group's role in post-Assad Syria.

Expert analysis suggests that HTS's moderation efforts may be superficial. Phillip Smyth, a specialist in Iranian proxy groups and Syrian affairs, warns of the group's true intentions and its potential to establish an authoritarian Islamic state.

Celebrations have erupted in central Damascus, with crowds expressing joy through traditional displays of gunfire and public gatherings. The scenes of celebration, however, mask underlying concerns about Syria's future political direction.

Syria's Future Hangs in Balance

President Assad's departure from Damascus marks the end of his family's decades-long rule over Syria. The civil war that began nearly 14 years ago has entered a new phase, with the potential for continued conflict as various factions vie for control.

The power vacuum created by Assad's exit raises serious questions about Syria's future governance and stability.

International observers remain cautious about the prospects for peace, given the complex web of internal and external actors involved in the conflict.