Iranian diplomats stationed in Damascus evacuated the Syrian embassy earlier today before it was stormed by members of the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), according to a report by Iran’s Tehran Times.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed the evacuation, stating that all Iranian officials are safe. "The safety of our personnel is our utmost priority," Baghaei told the Tehran Times.
The attack on the embassy follows a series of rapid advances by HTS and allied rebel factions across Syria. The group, designated a terrorist organization by multiple countries, has capitalized on the diminished presence of Hezbollah forces, which have been diverted due to ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon.
The situation underscores the escalating instability in the region and raises questions about the security of diplomatic missions amid the conflict. Iran has vowed continued support for the Syrian government, but the evacuation highlights the growing risks posed by the rebel offensive.
Iranian Embassy ‘looted’ amid takeover
A video has surfaced showing widespread destruction at the Iranian Embassy in Damascus following the city’s capture by forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The footage, shared on a Telegram channel linked to Iraqi militias, reveals shattered windows, ransacked offices, and gunshot damage on bulletproof glass at the embassy entrance.
Civilians are seen removing furniture, office equipment, and other valuables from the premises.
Iranian state TV confirmed the attack, attributing it to “unknown individuals.”
Iraqi media reported that Baghdad has evacuated its diplomatic staff to Lebanon, while the Russian Embassy remains operational. A Russian mission spokesperson assured that “everything is fine” with their facilities in Damascus.
The takeover of Damascus marks a seismic shift in the Syrian conflict, with fighting groups declaring control over the capital and claiming governance of the country.
Military sources informed Reuters that President Bashar al-Assad fled the city on Saturday night to an undisclosed location.
HTS commander Ahmed Al-Sharaa has reportedly ordered militants to avoid public institutions and refrain from celebratory gunfire, stating that government operations will temporarily remain under the oversight of former Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali. Al-Jalali announced his willingness to collaborate with new leadership while emphasizing the importance of governmental continuity.
The developments leave Syria on uncertain ground as power dynamics rapidly shift, raising questions about the stability of the new regime and its international ramifications.
