Iranian Support for Syria Discussed in Damascus
On December 1, 2024, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus to discuss the ongoing situation in Syria, particularly following the armed opposition's control of Aleppo and surrounding regions. During the meeting, Araghchi conveyed Iran's unwavering support for Syria and its people, emphasizing the need for detailed discussions on the support that Iran would provide to the war-torn nation.
Araghchi described the conditions in Syria as challenging and noted that both he and Assad reached a mutual understanding regarding the situation. The Syrian presidency reported that Assad reiterated Syria's commitment to combating what he termed terrorist organizations, underscoring the importance of supporting allies in the face of foreign-backed attacks. He stated that the fight against terrorism is crucial not only for Syria's stability but also for the entire region.
The Iranian Foreign Minister's visit is part of a broader tour that will also take him to Ankara, where he plans to discuss the latest developments in Syria. This meeting highlights Iran's role as a key ally of Syria, particularly since the onset of the Syrian revolution in 2011, and reflects Tehran's strategic interests in preserving Syria's territorial integrity amid regional tensions.
Regional Implications of Iranian-Syrian Relations
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, commenting on the situation, suggested that the events in Syria are part of a larger plot by what he referred to as the 'Zionist entity' to incite chaos within Islamic nations. He emphasized that maintaining Syria's territorial integrity is crucial to Tehran's regional strategy, especially in light of recent ceasefires in Lebanon and ongoing concerns regarding Gaza. The Iranian leadership views the stability of Syria as integral to the security of the broader region, indicating a continued commitment to support Assad's government against perceived external threats.
