We set Iranian project in region back by 40 years: Al-Shara

Damascus: Syria's new defacto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa has said that by capturing seat of power in Damascus rebels have "set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years." 

Al-Shara also said that "the Syrian revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere."

The head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led a rebel coalition that ousted Bashar al-Assad, now uses his real name: Ahmed al-Sharaa. His nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has been shed, like his rebel fatigues, as he attempts to present a more moderate face to the world.

Speaking from the Presidential Palace in Damascus on Thursday, al-Sharaa dressed in a Western outfit, told London based pro-Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that he admires Saudi vision and aspire for similar progress in Syria.  

Asked why Syria has yet to send a direct message to the Gulf and major Arab nations, Al-Sharaa responded by saying that his country has much to say to its Arab neighbors.

"Syria had become a platform for Iran to control key Arab capitals, spread wars, and destabilize the Gulf."

"By removing Iranian militias and closing Syria to Iranian influence, we've served the region's interests--achieving what diplomacy and external pressure could not, with minimal losses."

During the interview, he also said that "the Syrian revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere."

He emphasized that Gulf strategic security has since improved. "Today, the Iranian project in the region has been pushed back 40 years, making the Gulf more secure and stable."

When asked if he would give reassurances on Syria not becoming a refuge for certain figures, Al-Sharaa dismissed concerns about hosting figures who cause concern for some Arab nations, saying Syria will not become a haven for controversial individuals.

He said Syria "will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country."

Al-Sharaa praised progress made by Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf countries.

"We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia's bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria."

He added: "There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals."

Al-Sharaa acknowledged differing opinions but emphasized he does not want to impose his personal views on Syrians.

"I believe in letting legal experts shape the relationship between citizens, with the law as the guide," he said.

"Syria is diverse, and it's natural for there to be different opinions. This difference is healthy."

Al-Sharaa stressed that the recent victory is for all Syrians, not one group over another.