Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised that the future of Syria should be determined solely by its people, free from foreign imposition and destructive intervention. The statement came on Sunday after the fall of Tehran’s ally, Bashar al-Assad, to rebel forces.
In a detailed statement shared on social media, the ministry reiterated Iran’s “principled stance” on respecting Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. “Determining Syria’s future and making decisions about its destiny are solely the responsibility of the Syrian people, without any destructive interference or external imposition,” the statement read.
🔹Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding developments in Syria
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, considering recent developments in #Syria, reiterates Iran’s principled stance on respecting Syria’s… pic.twitter.com/qpkd9ERAC5
— Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN) December 8, 2024
Calling for an immediate end to military conflicts and terrorist activities, Iran advocated for a national dialogue inclusive of all segments of Syrian society. The foreign ministry also reaffirmed its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which outlines a political roadmap for peace in Syria, and pledged continued engagement with the United Nations.
The ministry highlighted the importance of securing Syrian citizens and foreign nationals, protecting religious sites, and ensuring the safety of diplomatic facilities in adherence to international law. It also emphasised the historical ties between Iran and Syria, underlining Iran’s commitment to helping restore stability in the region through regional consultations.
“The relationship between the Iranian and Syrian nations has deep historical roots and has always been friendly. It is expected that this relationship will continue with a wise and forward-looking approach by both nations, based on mutual interests and adherence to international legal obligations,” the statement read.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasizing Syria’s role as an important and influential country in West Asia, will spare no effort to help establish security and stability in Syria. To this end, it will continue consultations with all influential parties, especially those in the region,” it added.
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Iran’s Embassy In Damascus Ransacked By Assailants
Meanwhile, Iran’s embassy in Damascus was stormed by rebels on Sunday following the capture of the city and the fall of Iran-backed Bashar al-Assad, news agency Reuters reported citing Iranian state TV.
“It is reported that the Iranian embassy was stormed alongside nearby stores by an armed group distinct from the group currently controlling most of Syria,” Iranian state TV reported, referring to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led the rebel advances across western Syria.
Footage shared by Saudi Arabia’s al-Arabiya channel showed assailants ransacking furniture and documents inside the embassy building, damaging some windows.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated on Sunday that Iranian diplomats had vacated the embassy in the early morning before the assault.
Iran’s state TV claimed that HTS had assured there would be no disruption to the Sayeda Zeinab and Sayeda Ruqqaya shrines in Damascus. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that all Iranian servants of the shrines had returned to Iran before the capture of Damascus by rebels.
Sayeda Zeinab, the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad, holds significant importance for Shi’ites, and her shrine attracts millions of pilgrims from across the globe. It has also been a haven for Shi’ite militiamen in Syria.
