December 24, 2024: Iran expressed its readiness to reopen its embassy in Damascus, following a dramatic shift in Syria’s political landscape after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Iranian government spokeswoman Mohajerani confirmed that Tehran is actively engaged in diplomatic discussions with Damascus to open Iranian embassy. “Our approach to reopening embassies is diplomatic, as it always has been,” Mohajerani stated.
This announcement comes two weeks after HTS militants overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year presidency on December 8. The takeover has brought additional challenges to the country. It includes fear of foreign military occupation, human rights abuses, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Despite that, Iran continues to prioritize Syria’s territorial integrity. It is also stressing that the future of Syria should be determined by its people, free from foreign interference.
Iran’s stance on Syria after HTS control:
It seeks to protect Syria from further destabilization caused by foreign powers, especially the United States. Iranian officials have repeatedly called for the withdrawal of US forces from Syria. Their continued presence is a threat to the country’s sovereignty. Moreover, Iran shows concerns against the rise of terrorist groups like HTS, whose violent actions have exacerbated the ongoing conflict.
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In addition, the Iranian government has also highlighted the importance of ensuring regional security. Iran’s commitment to safeguarding Syria’s territorial integrity ties to its broader regional strategy to prevent extremism across the Middle East. In the face of these challenges, Iran’s diplomatic efforts focus on ensuring that Syria does not become a breeding ground for terrorism.
As diplomatic talks progress, the reopening of the Iranian embassy in Syria marks a significant step in Tehran’s support for Damascus. It also reinforces Iran’s strategic importance in the region, aiming to solidify its influence in Syria while countering foreign interference. The situation remains fluid, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Syria’s path forward as it grapples with both internal and external pressures.
