Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
United States: A federal judge temporarily blocks President Donald Trump from deploying 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland
Syria: Local sources for Al-Mayadeen: An IOF patrol consisting of 4 vehicles entered the village of Suissa in the southern countryside of Quneitra
Trump on Truth Social: When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective
Trump on Truth Social: After negotiations, 'Israel' has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: We tell the enemy soldiers that we are not far from you, and you will see our faces whenever we decide to, because we are waging a harsh and complex battle of attrition
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: The enemy is advancing toward the heart of Gaza City under the watchful eyes of our Resistance fighters with their tactics focused on valuable targets
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: The enemy is advancing slowly and using unmanned vehicles to uncover and target combat nodes, which we are aware of
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: We carried out a number of heroic operations, and the enemy, as usual, is lying and misleading the public about its human losses
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: The enemy is making the most of previous battles to minimize its losses
Israeli media: Netanyahu summons Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for immediate meeting

Syria rejects partition, no lasting break with Iran: Al-Sharaa

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Al Mayadeen
  • 13 Sep 2025 00:02
  • 1 Shares
4 Min Read

Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa outlined efforts to rebuild regional and international relations while balancing ties with Russia, Iran, and Egypt, addressing domestic unrest, and rejecting partition amid a fragile transitional period.

Listen
  • x
  • ap
    In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa receives the final version of the provisional electoral system for the People's Assembly, in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, July 27, 2025 (SANA via AP)

Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Friday in an interview with state outlet Al-Ikhbariyya Al-Souriyya that the country has swiftly rebuilt its international and regional relations, stressing that Damascus "has seen goodwill from most nations, especially those in the region."

He claimed that the new Syria does not wish to remain in conflict with any state, declaring that "the ball is in the court of those who want to stir up strife."

On Ties with Russia

On relations with Russia, al-Sharaa described Moscow as "an important state and a UN Security Council member" with which Syria continues to maintain close ties. He recalled that during what he termed "the liberation battle," Damascus held talks with Moscow, and that the Russians "withdrew from the military scene under an agreement."

Analysts note that despite this distancing, Russia remains strategically significant, given its military bases at Tartus and Hmeimim and its influence over regional airspace and energy recovery. A senior Russian delegation visited Damascus earlier this week to discuss aid and energy cooperation, underscoring Moscow’s ongoing utility even as its political clout wanes.

On Ties with Iran

Related News

Sweida living conditions worsen as bakeries close down amid shortages

IOF raid Daraa village, arrest four young Syrians

Addressing ties with Iran, al-Sharaa admitted that "the wound was somewhat deeper," while clarifying: "We are not saying there will be a permanent rupture between us and the Iranians." His phrasing reflects the sensitivity of a relationship that was foundational under the Assad government.

For decades, the former regime in Damascus regarded Iran and Hezbollah as indispensable partners in defending Syria’s sovereignty, countering Zionist ambitions, and upholding the Palestinian cause. Contrary to claims that these partnerships compromised Syrian autonomy, they were in fact investments, strategic choices that bolstered Syria against Israeli aggression and Western imperialism.

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps and Hezbollah fighters also played a decisive role in defeating ISIS between 2014 and 2017, further entrenching their position in Syria’s security order.

Al-Sharaa’s reference to a "wound" therefore does not signify rejection of this legacy, but rather the challenge of recalibrating relations in a shifting political landscape where Damascus is also courting Western actors.

On Ties with Egypt

Al-Sharaa also said that relations with Egypt "are heading in the direction of improvement," part of a broader effort to diversify ties after years of what he described as isolation.

Observers suggest that Syria is balancing between Western overtures, highlighted by a recent visit to Damascus from the US CENTCOM chief, and the need to avoid alienating Moscow and Tehran, a strategy seen as hedging in the broader contest for influence between Washington and Moscow.

Domestic Matters

Domestically, al-Sharaa reiterated that following elections, a comprehensive constitution will be drafted, but stressed that the government’s policy is "to work on all fronts simultaneously."

He firmly rejected any talk of partition, warning: "If northeast Syria seeks some form of separation, Iraq and Turkey will be greatly harmed." The remark reflects deep regional anxieties over Kurdish autonomy and its potential ripple effects across borders.

Sweida Unrest

Commenting on recent unrest in Sweida, al-Sharaa described the events as "a dispute between the Bedouins and the honorable Druze community, which escalated and saw mistakes committed by all sides." He underlined that "the duty was to stop the bloodshed."

Transitional Framework

Al-Sharaa was declared transitional president at the "Victory of the Revolution Conference" in January, shortly before he cautioned that holding elections could take years. A temporary constitutional declaration issued on March 13 set the transitional period at five years.

  • Syria
  • transition
  • Ahmad al-Sharaa
  • Russia
  • Iran

Most Read

Hamas fighters stand in formation ahead of a ceremony to hand over Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP)

Hamas reviews Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan as PIJ rejects

  • Palestine
  • 30 Sep 2025
Iraq at a crossroads: A new war front?

Iraq at a crossroads: A new war front?

  • West Asia
  • 30 Sep 2025
Trump’s 21-point Gaza plan vs Netanyahu’s demand for Hamas defeat

Trump vows 'something special' in ME; Israeli delegation in chaos

  • US & Canada
  • 28 Sep 2025
A Hamas fighter in combat fatigues stands before the ceremony for the handover of Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP)

Hamas responds to Trump plan, backs Gaza withdrawal, exchange

  • Politics
  • 3 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Activists deported to Turkey after 'Israel' hijacks Sumud Flotilla
West Asia

137 activists arrive in Turkey after 'Israel' hijacked Sumud Flotilla

Law enforcement hold back protesters near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Ill., Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Black Hawks and break-ins: Chicago immigration crackdown intensifies

WP: American Jews increasingly critical of 'Israel' over Gaza War
US & Canada

Majority of American Jews say 'Israel' committed war crimes in Gaza

David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison, at the “Rebels With a Cause” gala in Hollywood, in 2014 (AP)
Politics

The Ellisons take US media power structure by storm, reshape industry

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS