This Image Shows Bashar Al-Assad Meeting Khamenei in Tehran in 2005, Not Recently

Misbar investigated the circulating photo and found the claim to be misleading, as the image is old and does not show Bashar al-Assad arriving in Tehran and meeting with Supreme Leader Khamenei recently.

Bashar Al-Assad’s Meeting With the Iranian Supreme Leader in 2005

The image dates back to a meeting between Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran on August 8, 2005, according to Getty Images. During the visit, Assad held talks with then Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, marking the first visit by a foreign leader since Ahmadinejad's inauguration.

Moreover, no official sources from the Syrian regime, Iran, or foreign outlets have reported Bashar al-Assad's recent arrival in Tehran to meet with the Iranian Supreme Leader.

The latest update on the Syrian regime's official social media account, posted on December 3, discussed a phone call between Bashar al-Assad and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to discuss the ramifications of recent developments in Syria.

According to the source, Assad stated during the call that "the ongoing escalation reflects distant goals aimed at dividing the region, fragmenting its countries, and redrawing maps according to the interests and objectives of the U.S. and the West."

The Iranian president was quoted saying that "attacking Syria's unity is an attack on the region's stability and the unity of its countries, and part of a Zionist-American plot." He added that "Iran is ready to provide all forms of support to Syria to eliminate terrorism and thwart the goals of its operators and supporters."

On Thursday, the Syrian Ministry of Information issued a warning against circulating a video on social media showing Bashar al-Assad allegedly discussing "stepping down and transferring powers to the Speaker of the People's Assembly."

In a statement, it said, "Please be aware and cautious of terrorist organizations circulating a fake video using artificial intelligence that announces the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad."

Foreign Ministers of Iraq, Iran, and Syria Meet in Baghdad

Iraq and Iran's foreign ministers met on Friday in Baghdad to discuss the recent developments in Syria following an attack by opposition armed groups.

In a press conference after the meeting, the ministers emphasized that "the threat to Syria's security poses a broader risk to the stability of the entire region." Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed that his country would pursue all diplomatic avenues to achieve de-escalation in Syria.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, "The primary message is to support the Syrian government and people in their fight against terrorist Takfiri groups." He also noted that the attack by opposition factions reflects "alignment with a U.S.-Zionist conspiracy."

Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh said, "The Syrian army is carrying out its national duty by responding to the terrorist attack." He added that the forces "were compelled to carry out operations consistent with battle tactics to reposition and redeploy."

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