Iran reiterated its support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that the nation’s future should be decided by its people without foreign interference. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei also warned against Syria becoming a hub for terrorism, highlighting the potential regional repercussions of such developments.
President Bashar Assad, a close ally of Tehran, fled Syria earlier this month after rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) seized Damascus. HTS, classified as a terrorist organization by many countries, has recently attempted to present a more moderate image, raising concerns about its intentions and influence.
Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, is a vocal critic of Iran’s role under Assad. Despite Iran’s long-standing support for Assad during the civil war, Baqaei stated that Tehran currently has no direct contact with the new leadership. This marks a notable shift in Iran-Syria relations.
Since assuming power, Al-Sharaa has engaged in active diplomacy, meeting with figures like Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Jordanian diplomat Ayman Safadi. U.S. envoy Barbara Leaf also met with him, later expressing hopes for Syria to fully eliminate Iranian influence in its affairs.
Other nations are closely watching Syria’s political shift. European delegations have visited, and Saudi Arabia, a key supporter of the Syrian opposition, is expected to send representatives soon. This growing international engagement signals significant changes in Syria’s regional and global relations.
