Iran left behind by Turkey, Saudi Arabia in Syria, says hardline paper

Hardline Iranian newspaper Farhikhtegan has criticized the country's foreign policy establishment for being left behind in Syria as regional rivals gain power in Tehran's former outpost.

The paper argued in an article on Sunday that Iran's "clichéd diplomacy" has left it weak as Turkey and Saudi Arabia gain ground.

"If our country doesn't take immediate action to disrupt Turkey's plan in Syria, Iran's name will be removed from the list of influential actors in Syria's developments, and Saudi Arabia will turn itself into another Turkey in this arena," the newspaper wrote.

The paper lambasted the Foreign Ministry's approach, describing it as disappointing and lacking any urgent action plan to secure Iran's national interests.

"In the midst of this heavy diplomatic battle...the approach that the Iranian diplomatic apparatus has taken seems disappointing," the article stated.

Farhikhtegan pointed to what it sees as a key miscalculation. "Iran is waiting to see how the new Syrian side will behave," the paper said, referring to an earlier statement from a government official.

The article further highlighted Turkey's proactive engagement with the new Syrian government, contrasting it with what it called Iran's passivity. It also highlighted the growing influence of Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the region, suggesting they are capitalizing on Iran's inaction.

The paper concluded with a stark warning: "It seems that the procrastination of Iranian diplomacy...is closing this window [of opportunity]."

It urged a strategic shift, including engagement with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to counter Turkish influence and reclaim Iran's stake in Syria's future after years of building itself in the country alongside ousted President Bashar Al Assad.

On Saturday, a foreign ministry official said Tehran was in indirect talks with Syria’s new government. “We are monitoring the developments in Syria with deliberation and patience and will make our specific decision when the time is right,” Mohammadreza Raouf Sheibani, Iran’s special representative for West Asia, said in an interview.

He confirmed recent remarks of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani about an exchange of positive messages between Tehran and Damascus following the overthrow of Assad’s government in December.

Iran and Russia, Assad’s main backers during the brutal conflict that began in 2011, played key roles in maintaining his grip on power until a rapid rebel offensive last December forced him into exile in Moscow. Since then, both countries have sought to maintain influence in Syria while navigating the new political landscape.

Iran, which invested heavily in Assad’s survival—reportedly spending at least $30-$50 billion—now faces the challenge of recalibrating its strategy. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has vowed on multiple occasions to reclaim Iran’s influence in Syria.