Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), arrived in Damascus on Sunday, shortly after rebel forces captured the city
Jolani delivered a speech at the iconic Grand Umayyad Mosque, and his arrival is expected to accelerate the political transition process in the country.
On the same day, local residents and rebel soldiers were seen celebrating at Umayyad Square in central Damascus, after a lightning offensive by the rebels in the capital that led to the rapid fall of President Bashar al-Assad's government.
In the afternoon, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jallali was escorted to a hotel in Damascus to transfer government authority.
Later that evening, a Druze leader called on all Syrians to work together to build a "just and equal" democratic country.
Druze, which wields influence over the southern Syria's Suwayda province, had been a steadfast supporter of the Syrian government throughout much of the civil war. However, in recent years, worsening economic conditions have led to frequent anti-government protests in the region.
Syrian rebel leader Al-Jolani arrives in Damascus
Syrian rebel leader Al-Jolani arrives in Damascus
Syrian rebel leader Al-Jolani arrives in Damascus
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."
Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.
Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.
"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.
The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.
Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM
