The WSJ explains why Iran refused Assad military aid.

The Iranian leadership rejected Bashar Assad's request for military assistance in the fight against the rebels due to fears of possible attacks by Israel on its aircraft.

The Wall Street Journal, citing officials from Syria, reports that Tehran informed Damascus about the limitations on providing assistance. Iranian representatives criticized the Syrian leadership for inadequate preparation to counter opposition forces.

Additional confirmation of the seriousness of the situation is the incident involving an Iranian plane that had to return due to threats from Israel. Moreover, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its affiliated armed groups received a direct directive about the unacceptability of participating in combat actions.

Middle East security expert and staff member at London’s Chatham House Lina Khatib notes that both Russia and a significant part of the Syrian regime, including high-ranking political and military figures, acknowledge the critical position Assad is in.