Zarif: Iran's Policy in Support of the Syrian Government is Unchangeable

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, stated on Tuesday, June 2, that Tehran's support for the Syrian government is 'unchangeable' and that 'regional problems must be resolved by the countries of the region.' According to the IRNA news agency, Zarif made these remarks during a meeting with Mohammad Jihad al-Laham, the Speaker of the Syrian Parliament, saying, 'We stand by the government and people of Syria in the fight against terrorism and extremism.' He also congratulated the Syrian people and President Bashar al-Assad for their historical resistance against terrorists. Since the onset of unrest and protests against the Syrian regime, Bashar al-Assad has labeled his opponents as 'terrorists' and claimed he would combat any form of 'terrorist activity.' Despite efforts to reach a political solution, the civil war in Syria continues, with large parts of the country occupied by 'Islamic State' forces and other opponents of Bashar al-Assad. The Islamic State group has chosen the city of 'Raqqa' as the center of its caliphate since occupying parts of Syria. Zarif further stated, 'Today, the supporters of terrorist groups have become isolated and have been forced to cooperate with the Syrian government and people. They have realized that security and influence cannot be secured with money or by selling military toys in the region.' Saudi Arabia and Turkey are considered the most serious opponents of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, with reports indicating that both countries have been active in equipping and assisting Assad's opponents. Iran is also accused of supporting Bashar al-Assad's regime with money and weapons. The civil war in Syria has resulted in over 220,000 deaths over the past two years. Ali Akbar Velayati, former Iranian Foreign Minister and current international affairs advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran, has also stated, 'The security of Syria and the territorial integrity of this country are an inseparable part of Iran's security, whether in countering the intervention of Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries or Turkey's intervention.' In an interview with the Lebanese newspaper 'al-Akhbar,' which was reported on June 1 by the Central News Unit, he said, 'We do not exactly know the enemies' plans for Syria, but based on wisdom and prudence, I doubt that provocative actions such as creating a no-fly zone or air support for terrorists will not happen.' He added, 'In any case, we are fully confident that the Syrian people will continue their resistance and steadfastness against any aggression, and we will stand by them.' The report indicates that after these remarks, Velayati mentioned two proverbs, stating, 'In any case, someone whose house is made of glass cannot throw stones at their neighbors, and whoever sows the wind will reap the storm.' When asked by the al-Akhbar reporter if he meant Turkey, he remained silent and requested the next question. Iran's support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, its influential relations with the Iraqi government, and Iran's role in Yemen are among the issues that have created challenges between Tehran and the Arab countries in the region. Saudi Arabia has formed a coalition to counter the Houthis in Yemen and continues airstrikes against their positions. Adel al-Jubeir, the new Saudi Foreign Minister, stated, 'We are waiting for the day when we can build good relations with Iran. However, this depends on Iran's behavior and whether it interferes in regional issues, supports terrorism, and refrains from actions that harm the interests of the people and the region.' A day after these remarks, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran's Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs, said, 'Tehran, unlike some parties that support and exploit terrorism and gamble with regional security, strongly supports Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and countries threatened by terrorist threats.'