Visited Damascus on Dec 1, days into the rebels’ offensive, meeting with Assad in the Syrian leader’s last public appearance alongside official. A day later, President Pezeshkian reiterated support in a telephone call with Assad. The deposed Syrian leader last visited May 2024, shortly after the death of former president Raisi in a helicopter crash. The assault began early this morning when a convoy of armed militants approached the embassy, bypassing several security checkpoints. Local sources indicate that the rebels detonated explosives at the main gate, creating an opening for their fighters to enter. Once inside, they reportedly engaged in gunfights with embassy security forces.