Expert: Assad's regime in Syria faces losses but avoids total collapse

"I don't know what will happen next, but the fact is clear – the rebels' offensive southward towards the city of Hama has been stopped. This is a clear sign that the collapse is not final. But I would be very surprised if it were final because even in the hardest years of the civil war, when the regime controlled only 20% of the territory, it was not final," Sharp noted.

He also pointed out that for Iran, the number one strategic task right now is preserving the regime in Syria, as it has lost significant positions. According to Sharp, losing control over Aleppo is a terrible blow to Assad.

"Probably they will make every effort to restore the situation or at least prevent further regression. For Russia, supporting the Syrian regime will likely be a matter of honor. But they have few opportunities today," Sharp explained.

In the expert's view, it is important to observe what Russia will decide in this matter – whether it will take its troops from the front in Ukraine, or use funds from its own budget to support Assad's regime.

Rebel offensive in Syria

Recently, rebels, led by Islamists from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched an offensive on Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo.

We later reported that Syrian rebels had completely captured Aleppo.

According to Reuters, the Kremlin has promised Assad additional military support, which may reportedly be sent to Syria within the next 72 hours.

In addition, it became known that Syrian dictator Assad broke his silence regarding the situation in the country amid the rebel offensive. According to him, Damascus is relying on the help of its allies in an attempt to repel the anti-government forces' advance.