TEHRAN (Defapress) - Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, addressed recent developments in Syria and Iran's diplomatic efforts involving Syrian and Turkish officials. Speaking on Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visit to Syria, Baghaei emphasized that the trip aimed to deliver Iran’s unequivocal message of support for Syria and its resistance against terrorism. He noted that the meetings facilitated vital evaluations of the region's situation. Baghaei stressed the responsibility of regional nations to mobilize international efforts against the growing threat of terrorism, which transcends borders.
Turning to Turkey, Baghaei highlighted the country's strategic role in the Astana peace process and its constructive contributions to managing tensions in Syria over the years. As Syria’s critical neighbor, Turkey remains a key partner in addressing shared security concerns.
Baghaei reiterated that insecurity in Syria is not confined within its borders, emphasizing a collective acknowledgment that terrorism often spills over into neighboring regions. He remarked on Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad’s clearly stated that these issues have nothing to do with Turkey and the Turkish friends are as concerned as we are about the developments in Syria. The spread of terrorism, he stated, poses a common threat that demands unified action.
Regarding the Astana process agreement to disarm terrorist groups and the lack of action in this regard, Baghaei said: The Astana process has been the most stable and successful mechanism for controlling the crisis in Syria. All three guarantor countries tried to take action to control the tension. The Astana process is still alive and the international community is aware of its impact. We are still committed to this process and we think that other influential countries have a similar opinion.
Baghaei pointed to the complex nature of Syria’s crisis, highlighting external players' roles. He argued that Israel has exploited Syrian instability to advance its interests, suggesting a connection between regional turbulence and Israel’s long-term goals of weakening resistance movements. Referring to the resurgence of terrorist groups after Lebanon’s ceasefire, Baghaei dismissed the idea of coincidence, citing a history of coordinated actions by these groups and their external supporters.
He continued: “All Islamic countries should consider that the main beneficiary is the main enemy, the Zionist regime. The Astana process may be violated at times, but this does not mean that they will be weakened. We hope that Iran’s diplomatic activities will lead to the use of all mechanisms to stabilize the situation in Syria.”
In response to a question about the foreseeability of Syria’s current situation, Baghaei noted that the presence of terrorist factions had long signaled the possibility of renewed activity. He described the resurgence of these groups as unsurprising, given their latent presence and external backing. Baghaei emphasized that warnings issued during Astana process underscored the persistent threat of coordinated actions between terrorist factions and their foreign sponsors.
Addressing claims of reduced violence by terrorist factions in attacks on Aleppo, Esmaeil Baghaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, dismissed such notions as misleading. He identified Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham as a central player among these groups, emphasizing that its ambitions extend across the entire Syria. Baghaeiargued that while their outward behavior might appear moderated, it stems not from a genuine transformation but from the influence of skilled advisors who stress the importance of media narratives. Despite this facade, their core ideology of labeling and targeting others as heretics remains unchanged.
Regarding the ceasefire in Lebanon and the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza, Baqai said: The Zionist regime is not trustworthy at all. We are facing the continuation of genocide in Gaza. The intensity of the martyring continues as before. Many women and children in Gaza are on the verge of death due to malnutrition and lack of medical facilities.