WANA (Nov 30) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has described recent terrorist movements in Syria as part of a coordinated plan by the U.S. and Israel to destabilize the West Asia region.

 

Araghchi made the remarks during a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, where the two discussed key regional and international developments, particularly the situation in Syria.

 

During the conversation, both sides reaffirmed their strong support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They emphasized backing the Syrian government and armed forces in their fight against terrorism.

 

Araghchi and Lavrov also highlighted the importance of advancing discussions within the Astana Process and coordinating efforts among Iran, Russia, and Turkey—the guarantor states of the peace initiative.

 

Araghchi called on the global community to take greater responsibility in combating terrorism. He stressed the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among regional actors, especially Syria’s neighbors, to neutralize what he called a “dangerous conspiracy” by terrorists in Syria.

 

Lavrov echoed the necessity of unified efforts to combat terrorism and emphasized the importance of maintaining close consultations between Tehran and Moscow.

 

Escalation in Northern Syria

Meanwhile, Syria’s army reported intensified clashes near Aleppo following large-scale attacks by terrorist groups. According to a military statement released earlier today, thousands of foreign fighters equipped with heavy weaponry and drones launched a broad offensive targeting positions in Aleppo and Idlib.

 

Syrian forces engaged in fierce battles across a 100-kilometer front to halt the advance. The fighting resulted in heavy casualties, with dozens of Syrian troops killed or wounded.

 

Background on the Astana Process

The Astana peace talks, initiated in 2017 by Iran, Russia, and Turkey, led to the creation of four de-escalation zones in Syria. By 2018, three zones were retaken by the Syrian government, but the fourth—comprising Idlib province and parts of Latakia, Hama, and Aleppo—remains under the control of terrorist groups, primarily Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra).

 

In a 2018 agreement between Russia and Turkey in Sochi, Ankara pledged to disarm or remove terrorists from the region without bloodshed. However, analysts note that these commitments remain unfulfilled, as terrorist groups in the area continue to launch sporadic attacks on Syrian and Russian positions.