Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused "Israel" of playing a role in the resurgence of terrorist groups and their recent offensives in northwest Syria during a press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, following their bilateral meeting in Turkiye on Monday.

Araghchi emphasized the need for Iran and Turkiye to cooperate in halting Israeli attacks on Gaza and protecting civilians. "Most of the problems in the region are caused by foreign intervention and occupation and a lack of concern for the rights of Palestinians," he stated.

The Iranian foreign minister also pointed to renewed activity by Takfiri organizations in northern Syria, which he said are undermining security and stability and threatening Syrian communities, announcing Iran's "full support to the Syrian government and nation."

He further asserted that "Zionism has something to do with the resurgence of terrorist organizations" and highlighted their role in perpetuating violence and instability in Syria, adding, "Everyone should not ignore the Zionist role in the civil war in Syria."

Araghchi announced that a meeting of the Astana Format would soon be held at the foreign ministers' level to address regional issues.

On his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed his country’s position on Syria, stating, "Turkiye does not wish for an escalation of the civil war." However, he disagreed with attributing the situation in Syria to foreign intervention, saying, "It is wrong to explain the situation in Syria with foreign intervention."

Despite acknowledging some differences with Ankara, Araghchi stressed the importance of reaching a resolution through dialogue, stating, "There are some disagreements with Turkiye, but my advice is to reach a solution."

Dive deeper

Terrorist units advanced southward toward the city of Hama, while a coordinated counterattack by the Syrian army appears to be taking shape.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced that it has bolstered its defensive lines in the northern Hama countryside to repel the advance, after previously saying it would launch a counteroffensive to reclaim all lost territories. 

Terrorist groups, in this context, noted "fierce" ongoing battles in north Hama. 

It is worth noting that Araghchi is set to visit multiple regional countries for discussions on recent developments, with a particular focus on the situation in Syria, where militants affiliated with the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, supported by thousands of foreign mercenaries, heavy weaponry, and numerous drones procured from Ukraine, launched a large-scale offensive from multiple fronts in Aleppo and Idlib.

Read more: Russia, Turkiye, Iran FMs discuss escalating violence in Syria