Iran wants relations with Syria to continue after coup

Bashar Assad has stepped down as Syrian president and left the country

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has stated that the future of Syria should be determined by its own people without foreign interference and expressed hope that relations between the two countries would continue, according to a statement released on Sunday.  

On Sunday, jihadists took control of the Syrian capital of Damascus, ending the 24-year-long rule of President Bashar Assad.  

In its statement, Tehran reiterated its support for international efforts based on UN Resolution 2254 to advance the political process in Syria. Officials called for a quick end to the military conflict, terrorism to be prevented, and discussions to begin involving all parts of Syrian society in order to form a government. The UN document calls for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict through free elections and a new constitution. 

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasizing Syria’s position as an important and influential country in the West Asian region, will spare no effort to help establish security and stability in Syria, and to this end, it will continue its consultations with all influential parties, especially in the region,” the statement stressed, while also recalling Tehran’s long history of support for Syria.   

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Iran also urged to ensure the safety of all citizens and protect religious sites and diplomatic missions according to international law. Earlier on Sunday, a video clip emerged purporting to show looters causing havoc at the Iranian Embassy in Damascus after the takeover of the Syrian capital by jihadists.  

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other anti-government militias took control of the Syrian capital after a swift offensive from the Idlib province led by a former Al-Qaeda commander. 

Moscow confirmed on Sunday that president Bashar Assad had stepped down and left the country following negotiations with the insurgent groups. Russian officials said that Moscow was not involved in the talks but acknowledged Assad’s decision to transfer power “peacefully.”