Israeli defense figures report the recent deployment of Iranian troops to Syria. This comes close on the heels of Russian moves in Syria, including its advisers taking part in combat, the construction of a compound, and the possibility of Russian aircraft being sent in. Iran and Russia have planned this and are cooperating on it, obviously. This might suggest that Assad’s position, which we know to have been weakening in the north, may be worse than thought.
The move could stabilize Assad, disabuse the rebel forces of any impending victory, and set the stage for negotiations. The war is going nowhere militarily.