I've always seen Syria as closer to Russia than Iran. Russia (had) military bases there and was fighting to defend the Assad government, Iran was more of "moral support" from a distance. Iran shipped weapons through Syria into Lebanon, but that wasn't for Syria's benefit. Was Assad a muslim? I thought he was secular. And while he is Arabic, Iran isn't (it's Aryan). Anyhow I don't see it as odd. So AFAIK Iran is neither his race nor his religion nor his closest ally.