Iran conditions reopening of embassy in Syria on security guarantees

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Dec 2024 13:02

Iran's Foreign Ministry reiterated that it will reopen its embassy in Syria only when the safety of its staff is assured while condemning Israeli occupation aggression in the region and criticizing the international community's inaction on Gaza.

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Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei in a press statement, undated. (IRNA)

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed that the reopening of the Iranian embassy in Damascus depends on ensuring the safety of the embassy and its diplomatic mission members.

In a statement, Iran emphasized that its presence in Syria was purely advisory and at the request of the Syrian government, adding, "Our presence in Syria was advisory and based on the request of the Syrian government, and our exit from it was conducted responsibly."

Iran also condemned the expanding Israeli military aggressions in the region, accusing "Israel" of violating Syrian sovereignty. "The Zionist entity is attacking Syrian sovereignty and violating the ceasefire agreement," the Foreign Ministry said.

The Iranian government called on the international community to take action against Israeli aggressions, particularly in Syria and Yemen. "The international community must stop the Zionist entity's attacks on the countries of the region, including Syria and Yemen," the statement read.

Additionally, Iran criticized the inability of international institutions, particularly the United Nations, to act against the ongoing violence in Gaza, blaming US obstruction. "International institutions, especially the UN, are unable to take action to stop the genocide in Gaza because of the stubbornness of the US," the Iranian Foreign Ministry concluded.

Foreign powers seek to divide Syria: IRGC chief

Earlier on Sunday, Major General Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that Iran's involvement in Syria is not driven by territorial ambitions or expansionist interests but rather by a commitment to defending the dignity of Muslims.

Salami highlighted the role of foreign powers in destabilizing Syria, describing them as "wolves seeking to divide the country."

He elaborated, "The Israelis occupy the South, another force dominates the North, and yet another controls the East, leaving the Syrian people isolated and facing an uncertain future."