Iran is expanding its already sizable role in Syria’s multi-sided war in the wake of Russia’s airstrikes, despite the risk of antagonizing the U.S. and its Persian Gulf allies who want to push aside President Bashar al-Assad. Politicians in the region close to Tehran as well as analysts who have been closely following its role in Syria say a decision has been made, in close coordination with the Russians and the Assad regime, to increase the number of fighters on the ground through Iran’s network of local and foreign proxies. The support also could involve more Iranian commanders, military advisers and expert fighters usually assigned to these units, these people said. “I know there is a major battle upon us and everything needed for this battle will be made available,” said Wiam Wahhab, a former Lebanese minister allied to Iran and Mr. Assad, who has some members from his […]