DRAMA IN THE MIDDLE EAST: Iran abandons its ally, Damascus

Tehran has issued an extraordinary travel warning for Syria - once its closest regional ally - citing "terrorist takeover of the country." Iranian state media graphics reveal Tehran's mounting anger at Turkey, now grouped with Iran's worst enemies in the region.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry's dramatic step comes amid recent upheaval in Syria, as rebel forces advance through the country's northwest, leading to significant losses for the Assad regime. The ministry cited "heightened security risks to civilians, including kidnapping threats, attacks, and other violent actions."

This represents a remarkable reversal for Iran, which has been Assad's most stalwart supporter throughout Syria's civil conflict. The travel warning signals a potential unraveling of the Iranian axis in the region, as Tehran grapples with losing influence in territories once firmly controlled by its allies.

Adding to the tension, Iranian state-linked social media accounts have also published a telling illustration showing Syria being "devoured" by the U.S., Israel, and - notably - Turkey from three directions. The inclusion of Turkey alongside Iran's traditional adversaries marks an unusually direct criticism of Ankara.

The advisory warns Iranian citizens living in or planning to visit Syria to "exercise extreme caution" and maintain close contact with the Iranian embassy in Damascus and Foreign Ministry in Tehran.

This move suggests an impending reduction in Iranian civilian presence in Syria, potentially signaling a broader strategic retreat from a country where Iran has invested significant military and economic resources.

The Middle East is spinning on its own axis, with friends becoming enemies and allainces shifting faster than you can blink.

Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.