Political rhetoric in Damascus continues to emphasize the “Iranian threat,” using this theme as a way to maintain influence over the numerous factions that formally comprise the new Syrian army. Despite its declared unity, the Syrian army remains a conglomerate of disparate groups, each with its own interests and historical ties to various external players. 

Pro-regime sources, citing Turkish channels, said that Tehran allegedly has a plan to destabilize the situation in Syria, including organizing a coup d'etat and killing influential commander Abu Muhammad al-Julani, who heads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham structure (recognized as a terrorist group and banned in Russia). The plot allegedly involves Iranian military personnel from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as fugitive supporters of Bashar al-Assad and Alawite businessmen. 

In addition, according to the same sources, Iran plans to increase support for Hezbollah, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and even the terrorist organization ISIS, which is banned in Russia. It is claimed that Iran is allegedly going to involve Shiite militants from Afghanistan and Pakistan in this plan, who are planned to be transferred through the territories of Iraqi Kurdistan and Rojava. 

Despite the obvious absurdity of some of these claims, their purpose is clear: to strengthen Damascus’s position and weaken the influence of rival groups by creating the image of a common enemy. In this case, the role of this enemy is assigned to Iran, which allegedly operates through a variety of contradictory channels, pursuing the goals of destabilization and control. 

The claims of a “conspiracy” by Tehran appear to be part of a broader information campaign aimed at maintaining control over factions in Syria. Using the theme of the Iranian threat helps to shift the attention of the militants and structures controlled by Julani from internal disagreements to the external enemy. Such a strategy allows for temporary consolidation of forces and avoiding questions about the real problems of governance and the prospects of a new regime in Syria.