The US president spoke at the White House after meeting with his national security team to get an update on the situation in Syria.
After 13 years of civil war in Syria and more than half a century of brutal authoritarian rule by Bashar Assad and his father before him, rebel forces forced Assad to step down and flee the country. We're not sure where he is, but... there's talk he's in Moscow.
The Assad regime has finally fallen. This regime has brutalised, tortured and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians.
The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice. It is a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country.
It is also a moment of risk and uncertainty. As we all turn to the question of what comes next, the United States will work with our partners and stakeholders in Syria to help them seize the opportunity to manage the risks.
You know that for years the main supporters of Assad have been Iran, Hezbollah and Russia. However, over the past week, their support has collapsed - all three - because all three are much weaker today than they were when I took office. And let us not forget why.
After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, to which most of the world reacted with horror, Iran and its proxies decided to wage war against Israel on multiple fronts. This was a historic mistake on Iran's part.
Today, Iran's main territorial proxy, Hezbollah, is on its side.
Only 12 days ago, I spoke from the Rose Garden about the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon - an agreement that was only possible because Hezbollah had been severely degraded. Meanwhile, Hamas has also been severely degraded.
Iran's military capabilities have been weakened. Iran has twice attempted to attack Israel and the United States and - have formed a coalition of countries to directly defend Israel and help defeat these attacks.
All of this has allowed Iran and Hezbollah to continue to support - I would say made it impossible to support the Assad regime.
In addition, Russia's support for Assad has also failed. This is because Ukraine, backed by our American allies, has built a wall of resistance against the invading Russian forces, causing enormous damage to Russian forces. And that has left Russia unable to protect its main ally in the Middle East.
The result of all this is that, for the first time in history, Russia, Iran and Hezbollah cannot defend this vile regime in Syria. And this is a direct consequence of the blows Israel has dealt to Ukraine in its own defence, with the unstinting support of the United States.
And over the past four years, my administration has pursued a clear and principled policy towards Syria.
Firstly, we have made it clear from the outset that the sanctions will remain in place unless there is serious engagement in a political process to end the civil war, as set out in the UN Security Council resolution adopted in 2015. However, Assad has refused to do so, and so we have implemented a comprehensive programme of sanctions against him and all those responsible for atrocities against the Syrian people.
Secondly, we have maintained our military presence in Syria. Our fight against ISIS - to counter the support of local partners and on the ground - their partners - we never ceded an inch of territory, we eliminated ISIS leaders and ensured that ISIS could never again establish a safe haven there.
Third, we supported Israel's free action against Iranian networks in Syria and against Iran-linked actors who transported lethal aid to Lebanon, and we ordered the use of military force against Iranian networks if necessary to protect U.S. forces.
Our approach has changed the balance of power in the Middle East. Through this combination of support from our partners, sanctions and diplomacy, and targeted military force when necessary, we now see new opportunities opening up for people in Syria and across the region.
Looking ahead, the United States will take the following steps: first, we will support Syria's neighbors - including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel - should any threat from Syria arise during this transition period. I will be speaking to regional leaders in the coming days. This morning, I had a long discussion with all our people. And I will also send senior members of my administration to the region.
Secondly, we will help stability - provide stability in eastern Syria, protect all personnel - our personnel from any threats. And we will remain -- our mission against ISIS will remain, including securing detention facilities where ISIS fighters are held as prisoners. We are clearly aware that ISIS will attempt to take advantage of any vacuum to rebuild its capabilities and create a safe haven. We will not allow that to happen.
In fact, just today, U.S. forces conducted a dozen precision strikes - airstrikes inside Syria targeting ISIS camps and operatives.
Thirdly, we will work with all Syrian groups, including in a UN-led process, to bring about a transition from the Assad regime to an independent, sovereign - independent - independent - I want to repeat - sovereign Syria with a new constitution, a new government that serves all Syrians. And this process will be determined by the Syrian people themselves.
And the United States will do everything in our power to support them, including humanitarian aid, to help rebuild Syria after more than a decade of war and generations of brutality by the Assad family.
Finally, we will remain vigilant. Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that toppled Assad have a dismal record of terrorism and humanitarian - human rights violations. We have seen statements from leaders of these rebel groups in recent days. And we - they're saying the right things now, but as they take more responsibility, we will evaluate not only their words but their actions.
And as we keep in mind that there are Americans in Syria, including those who are there, just like Austin Tice, who was captured more than 12 years ago. We remain committed to returning him to his family.
As I said, this is a moment of considerable risk and uncertainty, but I also believe that this is the best opportunity in a generation for Syrians to create their own future without opposition.
It is also an opportunity, though far from certain - though far from certain, for a safer and more prosperous Middle East where our friends are safe and our enemies are contained. And it would be a waste of this historic opportunity if one tyrant were to be overthrown and only - only for a new one to rise in his place. So it is now incumbent on all opposition groups seeking a stake in the government of Syria to demonstrate their commitment to the rights of all Syrians, the rule of law and the protection of religious and ethnic minorities.
These last few days have been historic and, you know, it is in the next few days that the future of - of this country will be decided and we intend to approach them with strength, wisdom and determination.
So thank you very much. God bless America. And God save our soldiers.
Whitehouse/ gnews - RoZ
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