Iranian Foreign Minister Discusses Meeting with Assad Amidst Regional Turmoil
In a recent interview, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared insights from his meeting with ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, held in Damascus. Araghchi expressed surprise at the rapid military developments affecting Syria and the Syrian army's unexpected retreat. He noted that both Iran and Syria were aware of a coordinated plan by the United States and Israel aimed at destabilizing the region, particularly following the recent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Araghchi emphasized that the Syrian army's lack of motivation and effective analysis contributed to its inability to confront these challenges. He described Assad's reaction during their meeting, highlighting the president's discontent with the performance of his military forces. This sentiment was echoed by regional leaders during discussions at the Doha Forum 2024, where the swift retreat of the Syrian army was a central topic of concern.
Historical Context of Iran-Syria Relations
The relationship between Iran and Syria spans over four decades, rooted in mutual interests in resistance against Israel and combating terrorism, particularly the rise of ISIS. Araghchi outlined three key areas of cooperation: resistance against the Zionist entity, the fight against ISIS, and efforts to mediate between the Syrian government and opposition forces. Despite Iran's support, he acknowledged that the Assad regime has struggled with flexibility in addressing internal opposition, which has led to ongoing challenges for the Syrian army.
The Future of Resistance in the Region
In discussing the broader implications for resistance movements in the region, Araghchi asserted that the spirit of resistance will endure despite setbacks. He mentioned Hezbollah's resilience in the face of leadership changes and reiterated that the resistance's objectives extend beyond Syria, with connections to groups in Yemen and Gaza. Araghchi's remarks suggest that while the Syrian army's recent performance has raised alarms, the ideological commitment to resistance remains strong across the region.
