Iranian FM: ‘Too early’ to predict Syria’s future
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it was “too early” to make any predictions for Syria’s future as there were a multitude of developments in the Arab country following the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad’s government.
“I think it’s too early to make judgments now, both for us and for others who think that they have achieved victories there,” Araghchi told Iranian TV late Tuesday.
He pointed out that numerous factors would shape Syria’s “highly uncertain” future.
Militants, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, took control of Damascus on December 8 and declared an end to Assad’s rule in a surprise offensive that was launched from their stronghold in northwestern Syria, reaching the capital in less than two weeks.
The HTS militant group, supported by the US and its regional allies, has promised to form an inclusive government but the United Nations says the situation remains “fluid.”
Araghchi’s remarks came a day after Fatemeh Mohajerani, the Iranian government spokeswoman, stressed the importance of a Syrian government based on the popular vote of its citizens, describing it as a key concern for Iran.
Another critical concern, she noted, was preventing the rise and expansion of terrorism, as it significantly would impact both Syria and the entire region.
Syria’s stability and future are threatened by various factors, including Israel’s occupation of the Syrian territory and the presence of many other militant groups.
Meanwhile, Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani warned Iran Tuesday over “spreading chaos in Syria” and urged Tehran to “respect the will of the Syrian people and the country’s sovereignty.”
During a weekly press briefing in Tehran on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized the Islamic Republic’s unwavering commitment to preserve Syria’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He asserted that the Syrian people hold the exclusive right to decide their fate free from foreign interference.
Iran helped former Syrian government to eradicate terrorist groups in the country during 13-year of foreign-backed conflict in the country.
However, following the ouster of Assad, Iran pulled out its military advisors from the country.