Islam Times - Araghchi: I Did not See Developments in Syria as Unexpected

Islam Times - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an Al-Nahar interview that the recent developments in Syria were not unexpected, despite media reports.

He noted that while these changes seemed rapid and surprising, the foundation for them had been established over the past 10-12 years.

Parts of the interview are as follows;

- Over the past 14 months, the Zionist regime has persistently targeted Syria’s defense infrastructure to undermine the Syrian government.

- Based on Israel’s regional activities post-October 7, we had previously assessed that the Syrian government would encounter significant challenges to its rule. We communicated these concerns to the Syrian head of state in September.

- Syrian authorities were expected to demonstrate flexibility regarding opposition participation in governance, yet this has not occurred.

- Since the onset of the Astana Process, the Islamic Republic of Iran has maintained direct contact with the Syrian opposition, alongside trilateral discussions with Turkey and Russia, engaging in extensive talks with them.

- We anticipate the new Syrian government will be formed through a vote involving all individuals and groups.

- Hezbollah has consistently been a key social force for us: a military defender and a political movement crucial for national cohesion, security, and empathetic guidance for Lebanon during events alongside other Lebanese. This perspective remains fundamental to our view of Hezbollah.

- The future of the Middle East is shaped by the actions of the countries in the region; we all have the responsibility to prevent a dire outcome resulting from poor choices in the challenging circumstances that Syria faces.