Foreign Policy: Wagner’s rebellion may strengthen the Iranian presence in Syria
The Foreign Policy suggested that Wagner’s rebellion against Moscow would lead to the strengthening of Iran in Syria, where Russian President Vladimir Putin faces a choice between punishing its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and ceding influence and territory to Tehran.
The Russian forces detained a number of Wagner commanders in Syria, and transferred them to Hmeimim base in Lattakia, where they received an ultimatum to sign new contracts with the Ministry of Defense, or to return to their homes.
According to reports, regardless of what Wagner’s commanders will decide, Russia’s preserving its influence over Damascus means securing payment for thousands of Syrian military contractors with Wagner, and any stoppage may mean the occurrence of a kind of vacuum that may end in favor of Iran, which will provide weapons and money for these fighters.
The report pointed out that there are severe differences between Russia and Iran in Syria, despite the existence of a partnership in support of Damascus, as the conflict between them raged more than once to control phosphate reserves and obtain other vital assets.
The report predicted that the battlefield between Wagner and Moscow would move to Syria, which would threaten the continuation of Russia’s stronghold in the Middle East.
