The Kremlin has confirmed Vladimir Putin personally authorised the decision to provide asylum to Bashar al-Assad and his family. Russia was a key backer of the now deposed regime along with Iran, whose Foreign Minister has admitted Tehran was surprised how quickly the rebels advanced. Several European countries have announced they will suspend the processing of asylum applications from Syrians waiting to see how the situation plays out. #syria #assad #russia #iran SBS News is Australia's trusted news source for the latest news from Australia and across the world. You can also: Subscribe to the SBS News YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SBSNews Follow SBS News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbsnews_au Follow SBS News on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbsnews_au Follow SBS News on X: https://www.twitter.com/SBSNews Follow SBS News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbsnews Apple News: https://trib.al/MTx0gUe For the latest news, visit www.sbs.com.au/news Network Terms & Conditions: https://sbs.com.au/terms Privacy Policy: https://sbs.com.au/privacy Feedback or complaints: https://sbs.com.au/complaints