Warning from the Islamic Republic, Iraq, and Syria Regarding the Advance of Opposition Forces

On Friday, December 7, the foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq, and Syria issued a joint statement declaring the advance of opposition forces in Syria as a "serious threat" to the stability of these countries. Foad Hussein, Iraq's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of the Islamic Republic, and Bassem Sabbagh, Syria's foreign minister, labeled the armed Syrian opposition as "terrorists" and emphasized the "necessity of collective action to confront this threat." The ministers also condemned the "ongoing attacks" by Israel on Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, considering these actions as "disruptive to the security and stability of the region." In their joint statement, they identified "coordination, cooperation, and continued diplomatic consultations" as the only way to prevent escalation in the region and stressed the "necessity of continuing regional and international efforts" to find a peaceful solution to regional challenges, especially in Syria. This statement comes as Reuters reported on Friday, December 7, that opposition forces had seized the Al-Bukamal crossing at the Syria-Iraq border and the city of Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria. Deir ez-Zor is the third largest city in Syria after Aleppo and Hama to fall to the opposition in less than a week. The meeting of Araghchi with Iraqi and Syrian officials in Baghdad coincides with the U.S. calling for the cessation of Iran's terrorist activities in Syria, the continued advance of Assad's opponents, and Iraq considering military intervention in Syria. The U.S. also supported Israel's approach in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, while the Israeli army strengthened its presence in the Golan Heights amid the advance of Assad's opponents. The Iranian government intends to send missiles, drones, and military advisors to Syria, while opposition forces are advancing towards Homs, causing thousands to flee to western Syria. Israeli airstrikes have targeted border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, with Israel warning the Islamic Republic about sending forces and weapons to Syria.