Iran Stands Firm Against Foreign Intervention in Syria, Says Diplomat

Iran has taken a strong stance against any form of external intervention in Syria, emphasizing the need for the Syrian people to achieve political, ethnic, and cultural unity through dialogue. This position was articulated by a senior Iranian diplomat during a recent expert panel at the Tehran Dialogue Forum (TDF).

Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, a special aide to the foreign minister, highlighted several key issues affecting Syria:

• Occupation of Territories: Sheibani stated that the primary challenge facing Syria is the occupation of its territories by foreign forces.
• Foreign Presence: He noted that parts of Syria remain occupied by Israel, while other areas are controlled by the United States and Turkey.
• Impact on Stability: The continued foreign occupation could lead to insecurity, instability, and ethnic conflicts, which may pave the way for the resurgence of terrorism in the region.
• Minority Rights: Sheibani expressed concerns over the neglect of Syrian minorities’ rights, which has historically been a source of conflict.

Moreover, the diplomat underscored the broader regional implications of the situation, asserting that peace and stability in Syria are essential for security in Iran and the entire region. He pointed out that the disintegration of Syria has long been a strategic objective pursued by Israel.

The security situation in Syria has further deteriorated, particularly under the ruling Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group that overthrew the government of President Bashar al-Assad in December. The rise in sectarian violence, marked by the massacre of hundreds of Alawites in March, has deepened fears among minority groups.

Since the collapse of the Assad government, Israel has expanded its occupation across southern Syria and has conducted hundreds of airstrikes, primarily targeting Syrian military sites.

In summary, the ongoing conflict in Syria highlights the complexities of foreign intervention and the pressing need for a dialogue-driven approach among the Syrian people.