Diplomacy
Syria expels Iranian, Hezbollah forces: Stability and renewed international ties
Syria takes a major step toward stability by expelling Iranian and Hezbollah forces, signaling a new era of diplomacy and international cooperation.
![A woman holds a Syrian flag across the street from the White House as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with US officials in Washington, D.C., on November 10, 2025. [Brendan Smialowski/AFP]](/gc1/images/2025/11/20/52831-afp__20251110__83mf2ea__v1__highres__uspoliticsdiplomacytrumpsyria-600_384.webp)
Al-Fassel |
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced the expulsion of Iranian and Hezbollah forces from Syria, marking a pivotal step toward restoring stability and rebuilding international relationships.
In an interview with The Washington Post, al-Sharaa emphasized the significance of this move in addressing regional security concerns and fostering peace.
Hezbollah’s presence in Syria has been linked to substantial harm, including civilian casualties, sectarian violence, and resource exploitation.
These factors have deepened divisions and hindered efforts to achieve peace.
"We are the ones who expelled those forces out of Syria," al-Sharaa stated, underscoring his government’s commitment to distancing itself from Tehran’s influence.
Iran’s involvement in the Syrian conflict, which began in 2011, has been a cornerstone of its regional strategy to expand its influence.
Tehran provided crucial military, financial, and logistical support to Bashar al-Assad's regime.
It considered Assad's survival vital for maintaining its strategic corridor to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Quds Force played a pivotal role in organizing and directing pro-Assad militias, including foreign fighters.
This intervention not only prolonged the conflict but also caused widespread civilian suffering.
Iranian-backed militias were implicated in war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks and sectarian violence.
Progress in diplomacy
The expulsion of these forces marks a turning point in Syria’s diplomatic efforts.
Al-Sharaa has expressed readiness for a new phase of ties with the United States.
"The most important objective is starting to build the relationship between Syria and the United States," he said.
The United States has responded to Syria’s diplomatic efforts by suspending most sanctions for 180 days.
However, it continues to enforce restrictions on transactions linked to Iran and Russia.
Furthermore, al-Sharaa’s recent visit to Washington, the first by a Syrian head of state, marked a historic step in rebuilding ties with the United States.
Lastly, Syria’s expulsion of Iranian and Hezbollah forces signals a decisive move to address regional security concerns, foster peace, and rebuild its international relationships.