Five informed sources reported that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has reduced the deployment of its senior officers in Syria due to a series of deadly Israeli strikes, and will rely more on Shiite factions allied with Tehran to maintain its influence there. The Revolutionary Guard is experiencing one of its most challenging periods in Syria since its arrival a decade ago to assist President Bashar al-Assad in the civil war. Since December, Israeli strikes have killed more than six of its members, including one high-ranking intelligence leader in the Revolutionary Guard.
Three of the sources told Reuters that while hardline conservatives in Tehran are demanding revenge, the decision to withdraw senior officers is partly driven by Iran's desire to avoid getting dragged into an escalating conflict across the Middle East. While the sources stated that Iran does not intend to withdraw from Syria, which is a crucial part of Tehran's sphere of influence, this reevaluation highlights how the regional consequences of the war ignited by the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) attack on Israel on October 7 are unfolding.
One source, a senior regional security official informed by Tehran, mentioned that senior Iranian leaders have left Syria along with dozens of mid-ranking officers, describing this as a reduction in the size of their presence. The source did not specify the number of Iranians who left, and Reuters could not independently verify that information. The news agency was unable to reach the Revolutionary Guard for comment, and the Syrian Ministry of Information did not respond to emailed inquiries regarding the matter.
Three of the sources indicated that the Revolutionary Guard would manage operations in Syria remotely with the help of its ally, Hezbollah. The Lebanese group did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Another source, a regional official close to Iran, said that those still in Syria have left their offices and residences and are staying out of sight. He added, "The Iranians will not abandon Syria, but they have minimized their presence and movements to the utmost."
Since the outbreak of the Gaza War, Israel has ramped up its years-long campaign of airstrikes aimed at curbing the Iranian presence in Syria and attacking both the Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah, which has exchanged fire with Israel across the Lebanese-Israeli border since October 8. Israel rarely comments on its strikes in Syria and has not claimed responsibility for the latest attacks there. The Israeli army, in response to inquiries from Reuters, stated that it does not comment on foreign media reports.
