Iran has started pulling its military personnel and commanders out of Syria, signalling a notable change in its enduring support for President Bashar al-Assad.

The New York Times noted that the withdrawal, which started on Friday, comes as Assad faces mounting pressure from a resurgent rebel offensive that has dramatically altered the dynamics of Syria’s 13-year civil war.  

Among those evacuated were top commanders of Iran’s Quds Force, the elite external arm of the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). 

Military personnel, diplomatic staff, and their families were also reportedly leaving Syria, heading to Iraq, Lebanon, or back to Iran via planes and land routes, officials said on condition of anonymity.  

The decision to withdraw signals a major blow to Mr. al-Assad’s regime and Iran’s influence in the region. 

For years, Iran has been a critical ally to the Syrian government, providing military advisers, funding, and militias to help Assad regain territory during the civil war. 

Now, with rebel forces capturing significant regions, including Aleppo and Hama, and advancing toward Damascus, Iran appears to be reassessing its involvement.  

“Iran cannot manage the situation in Syria right now with any military operation,” said Mehdi Rahmati, an Iranian analyst close to government officials. “This option is off the table.”  

Iran’s military presence in Syria has long been strategic, serving as a route to supply arms to Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

However, the current rebel offensive, spearheaded by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, threatens to sever this link. 

The Iranian-backed Afghan Fatemiyoun Brigade, previously stationed at military bases in Syria, has reportedly been relocated to regime strongholds such as Damascus and Latakia.  

Iranian officials, including parliamentarian Ahmad Naderi, have expressed frustration over the situation, warning that the fall of Damascus would diminish Iran’s influence in Iraq and Lebanon.