The Iranian government's support for Assad reflects its broader strategy to maintain influence in the region amidst rising tensions with opposition factions.
The UN's call for negotiations underscores the international community's recognition that a military solution is unsustainable and that a political resolution is essential for Syria's stability.
Increased military engagement from Iran and its allies in support of the Assad regime may escalate the conflict further, particularly if opposition factions continue their offensives.
The upcoming UN Security Council session could lead to renewed diplomatic efforts, but entrenched positions on both sides may hinder progress toward a political solution.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi recently visited Ankara after meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. During his visit, Araqchi emphasized Iran's support for the Syrian government and its military in the face of opposition factions, which he claimed miscalculated their strength. This statement follows a significant offensive by opposition groups in Aleppo, marking one of the largest attacks in recent years. Araqchi asserted that the Syrian army is capable of countering these threats and highlighted the alignment of opposition goals with those of the United States and Israel, which he described as exacerbating regional tensions.
The situation in Syria has prompted the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to address the ongoing conflict. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen urged all parties involved to engage in serious negotiations aimed at achieving a political resolution, in line with Security Council Resolution 2254. This resolution calls for a transitional government and elections under UN supervision, but has faced challenges in implementation due to disagreements over Assad's future role and the regime's reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue.
