Damascus: Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, issued a stern warning to Iran on Tuesday, urging the country to respect Syria’s sovereignty and avoid actions that could destabilize the region.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Shibani stated, “Iran must respect the will of the Syrian people and the country’s sovereignty and security. We warn them from spreading chaos in Syria and we hold them accountable for the repercussions of the latest remarks.”
Syria's newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, warned Iran on Tuesday of spreading chaos in Syria.
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) December 24, 2024
"Iran must respect the will of the Syrian people and the sovereignty and safety of the country, and we warn them against spreading chaos in Syria and we also… pic.twitter.com/FkesvQLnHT
While Shibani did not specify the remarks in question, his statement appears to be in response to recent comments made by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During a televised speech on Sunday, Khamenei encouraged Syrian youth to resist external influences.
“We predict that a strong and honorable group will also emerge in Syria because today Syrian youth have nothing to lose. Their schools, universities, homes, and streets are unsafe,” Khamenei said. “Therefore, they must stand firmly with determination against the planners and executors of insecurity and prevail over them.”
The political landscape in Syria has undergone significant changes after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, ending a 13-year civil war. The conflict, which saw Iran providing substantial financial and military support to Assad’s regime, has left deep scars on the nation.
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Iran’s involvement in Syria, including deploying Revolutionary Guards and other resources, was aimed at maintaining Assad’s rule and strengthening the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance” against Israeli and U.S. influence in the region. Assad’s removal is seen as a major setback for this alliance.
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Shibani’s remarks signal a shift in Syria’s foreign policy, as the nation seeks to reestablish its sovereignty and stability in the post-Assad era.
