Iraqi Says Islamic Republic Emphasizes 'Non-Interference in Syrian Internal Affairs'

Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stated in a joint press conference with his Omani counterpart that the Islamic Republic emphasizes 'non-interference in Syrian internal affairs.' In this meeting with Badr al-Busaidi, he said, 'We all want peace in Syria' and added that 'regarding Syria, both Oman and we emphasize the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity, non-interference in its internal affairs, respect for all ethnicities and religions, and the necessity of forming an inclusive government in this country.' These recent remarks by Araghchi come as he stated on Wednesday to the Islamic Republic's television that it is too early to judge the situation in Syria 'for both us and for others who think victories have been achieved there' and that 'many developments will occur in the future.' Mohsen Rezai, a former commander of the Revolutionary Guards and current member of the Expediency Discernment Council, also wrote on social media on Wednesday that the youth of Syria will 'revive resistance in this country in a different form within less than a year.' In the official rhetoric of the Islamic Republic, proxy groups or militias aligned with Iran in the region are referred to as 'resistance.' Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, denied the existence of Iranian proxy forces in Syria or the region in his last speech following Bashar al-Assad's flight, claiming there is 'no need' for them. Meanwhile, he expressed confidence about 'the emergence of a strong honorable group in Syria.' The leader of 'Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham' called for Iran to 'reconsider' its regional interventions. This statement by the leader of the Islamic Republic is apparently interpreted as an order to Iranian institutions to create chaos in Syria in opposition to the new regime in Damascus. Araghchi's remarks on Sunday, which contradict this approach, were made after Ahmad al-Shara, who effectively leads the newly empowered government in Damascus, recently asked Iran not to interfere in Syrian affairs. He stated that Syria will have close relations with all countries, including Saudi Arabia and even Russia, but separates Iran until Tehran's 'interventionist' approach continues. He referred to the statements of Iranian officials regarding developments in Syria, saying, 'We expected to hear positive statements from Iran,' adding that 'a large segment of the people want Iran to play a positive role in the region.' Ahmad al-Shara, known by his combat name Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, has commanded the Islamist rebels of 'Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham' for eight years in Idlib province and has been considered the de facto leader of Syria since December 9, following the arrival of his forces in Damascus and Bashar al-Assad's flight to Russia. Over the past 13 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has sent numerous forces from Iran, Hezbollah Lebanon, and the 'Fatimiyoun' and 'Zainabiyoun' groups to Syria to support Bashar al-Assad. Opponents of the Assad regime have accused Iran of aiding in the suppression of protests and the massacre of people. Ahmad al-Shara has also stated that the actions of the Islamic Republic are a form of 'historical revenge,' but this logic is unacceptable to the Syrian people. The Arab League also rejected the recent statements of Iranian officials about Syria on January 6, calling their aim to incite conflict and 'fitna' in the country. In the joint press conference with his Omani counterpart, the Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized that Oman has always played a specific role in facilitating Iran's relations with some countries, including in nuclear negotiations. He noted Oman's role in the JCPOA, stating that during this trip, no specific message was exchanged from a third country like the United States. He also clarified that message exchanges with the U.S. will continue at the appropriate time through the Swiss embassy in Tehran, and Oman will participate in this process when necessary. With Donald Trump's return to the White House on the horizon, the likelihood of reviving his 'maximum pressure' policy against the Islamic Republic has increased. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Trump and his associates are considering options to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons, including preemptive airstrikes.