Syrian government, Resistance standing firm against conspiracies: Iran

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Dec 2024 12:59

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Bagaei warns that instability in Syria will not remain confined to the country, as terrorism will spread to other regions if not addressed.

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This handout picture released by the Syrian Presidency Telegram page on December 1, 2024, shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (C) receiving Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Damascus (Syrian Presidency Telegram Page/AFP)

The Islamic Republic and regional Resistance groups are firm in their support for Syria currently battling with terrorists, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters upon his arrival in the Turkish capital in the early hours of Monday.

Araghchi said Iran has common concerns with Turkiye and that he hopes to reach an understanding with Turkish officials with regard to the stability of the region, IRNA reported.

The top Iranian diplomat also described his trip to Damascus as very positive. Touching on the meeting with President Bashar al-Assad, he said, "We also had a very good exchange of views on the current developments in Syria and the region."

Of course, the conditions are difficult, but what is certain is the spirit of the Syrian government and the Resistance that is standing firm against this recent conspiracy by Takfiri terrorists, Araghchi noted.

Elaborating on his meeting in the Syrian capital, he stated, "I clearly declared the comprehensive support of the Islamic Republic of Iran for Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian government, army, and people."

Araghchi maintained how terrorist groups found another opportunity to re-launch their attacks, having failed before, by the conditions emerging from the Zionist regime's invasion of Lebanon and Palestine.

He stressed that the Syrian army and government are capable of confronting the terrorists and that the Resistance groups will also help, along with the Islamic Republic of Iran that will provide any support deemed necessary to eliminate the Takfiris.

On his trip to Ankara, Araghchi said he will have a detailed meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister on Monday and will largely focus on common concerns.

Touching on how Turkiye and Iran have always consulted each other on different issues with agreements and disagreements, he expressed hope that a common understanding will be reached this time on issues that will lead to regional stability so that Syria or the region once again could not become a center for terrorists.

Araghchi is scheduled to discuss bilateral relations, the regional situation, and the current developments in Syria with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Monday. The two top diplomats will then explain the stance of the two neighbors in a press conference.

Any sort of insecurity in Syria won’t be limited to Syria alone: Bagaei

In a similar vein, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Bagaei warned that instability in Syria will not remain confined to the country, as terrorism will spread to other regions if not addressed.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Bagaei highlighted discussions held by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Damascus and Ankara, stating, “We all have come to the conclusion that any sort of insecurity in Syria won’t be limited to Syria alone.”

He added, “We are all aware of the fact that terrorism would not be concentrated in a single place and spreads to other areas.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Bagaei emphasized Turkiye’s influence in the region, noting that Syria's foreign minister has clarified that Turkiye was not involved in the crisis' outbreak.

He said, “Our Turkish friends are as much concerned as we are about the course of developments in Syria.” The top Iranian official also commended Turkiye's role in the Astana peace process, calling it a “key role” and praising its “fruitful and constructive role” in de-escalating tensions in Syria.

'The Astana process is still alive'

Describing the Astana process as the "most durable and successful mechanism" for managing the crisis, Bagaei stated that the three guarantor states—Iran, Turkiye, and Russia—are working together to contain the conflict. He added, “The Astana process is still alive and the international community is mindful of its influence. We are still committed to that process and believe that the other effective countries hold the same view as well.”

Bagaei also condemned the unlawful presence of US forces in Syria, calling it a violation. He said, “It is clear that one of the reasons for the sedimentation of terrorism in Syria has been the occupation (of Syria) by the American military forces.”

The statement comes shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Damascus to reiterate Tehran’s unwavering support for Syria amid the activation of foreign-backed Takfiri terrorist groups in the country.

The big picture

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

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

Terrorist groups, in this context, described "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, launched a large-scale offensive from multiple fronts in Aleppo and Idlib.