Iran officially declares readiness to support, assist Syria's new gov.
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Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister says his country withdrew from Syria "when it became clear to us that the central government does not wish to defend itself.”
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Iran's former Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh speaks to the media during a press conference in Tehran, on April 11, 2022 (AFP)
Iran is “ready to provide support and assistance to the new Syrian government,” indicated Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Strategic Studies Center at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saeed Khatibzadeh.
“We officially declare Iran’s readiness to support and assist the new Syrian government," Khatibzadeh said, according to the Iranian outlet Tabnak.
The Iranian diplomat said, "We withdrew from Syria when it became clear to us that the central government does not wish to defend itself.”
He continued, “Our policy has always been consistent—we support central governments, whether in Syria, or in Qatar when it was blockaded by Saudi Arabia, or when we stood by our brothers in Turkey during the attempted coup.”
Khatibzadeh emphasized that Iran is ready to offer all forms of support and assistance to the government in Damascus, so that it may attain a comprehensive role and be in a stronger and more stable position.
Iran maintained a presence of military advisors during the war in Syria to support the former Syrian government at the latter's request. Following the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad, Iran withdrew but, on several occasions, expressed its willingness to engage with the new leadership in Syria and provide support.
Read more: US shifts Syria strategy to curb Iran, not rebuild nation: WashPo
