Syrian President Bashar Assad’s four-hour visit to Tehran last week, when he met with senior Iranian officials, gained extensive political and media attention, with both sides exchanging praise.

The death of Iranian military commander Hasan Irlu has provoked as much turmoil and uproar as his appointment as Tehran’s “ambassador” to Sanaa did almost a year ago. Irlu’s mysterious demise has led to considerable speculation in light of his pivotal role in Yemen.

The political system in Iran is built on fundamental principles that address the domestic and external fronts differently.