Morning reports confirmed opposition forces' capture of Daraa, followed by rapid advances toward Damascus. State media initially maintained silence, then acknowledged "strategic redeployments" while Iranian sources confirmed withdrawal of military commanders from Syria. By afternoon, opposition forces entered Homs and reached within 10km of Damascus from multiple directions.
The Astana Format meeting in Doha became a venue for managing retreat rather than projecting power, with Araghchi emphasizing continued "support" while avoiding specific commitments. State media shifted focus to domestic achievements, highlighting a space payload launch and Student Day celebrations at Sharif University.
Evening brought reports of Homs central prison falling to opposition forces, while Damascus's status remained contested. State media insisted on Assad's presence in the capital, though opposition sources claimed no trace of him remained. Iran's embassy in Damascus issued a statement denying its closure.
