WANA (Dec 06) – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani stated during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi today that the events in Syria cannot be separated from those in Gaza and Lebanon.

 

As part of Araqchi’s regional diplomatic efforts, the Iranian foreign minister met with Al-Sudani after concluding talks with his Iraqi and Syrian counterparts in Baghdad on Friday. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the situation in Syria.

 

Al-Sudani emphasized, “The ongoing developments in Syria are tied to what is happening in Lebanon and Gaza, aimed at destabilizing the security and stability of the region.”

 

According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, Baghdad maintains its steadfast position on Syria, advocating for the country’s unity, security, and stability. The statement also highlighted Iraq’s commitment to respecting Syria’s territorial integrity and its diplomatic efforts to mitigate the crisis in Syria, given its implications for Iraq’s security.

 

The meeting also included discussions on bilateral relations and a comprehensive exchange of views on regional developments, especially the situation in Syria.

 

Araqchi is also scheduled to meet Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid during his visit to Baghdad. His agenda prioritizes bilateral ties and regional dynamics, particularly the developments in Syria.

 

Upon arrival in Baghdad, Araqchi underlined the necessity of consultations on the critical situation in Syria, describing his visit as a continuation of his recent regional trips to Turkey and Syria.

 

“The region, especially Syria, is facing a sensitive situation that necessitates dialogue and coordination among all concerned countries,” he said. Araqchi added that such consultations aim to explore various solutions and create a platform for joint decision-making to resolve ongoing crises.

 

The Iranian foreign minister was welcomed by his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, at the Iraqi Foreign Ministry headquarters. Both officials later participated in a trilateral meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh.

 

Meanwhile, terrorist groups launched a large-scale attack on Syrian army positions in northwest, west, and southwest Aleppo on November 27, 2024, supported by certain countries and newly arrived foreign fighters.

 

In response, Syrian Defense Minister General Ali Abbas stated on Thursday night that “Takfiri groups are being openly supported militarily and logistically by some countries and regional and international parties.”

 

These attacks violated the 2020 ceasefire agreement, which designated the region as part of a de-escalation zone under Turkey’s guarantee. This zone includes parts of Idlib, Aleppo’s outskirts, and sections of Hama and Latakia.

 

Under a 2017 agreement between Iran, Russia, and Turkey—the Astana peace process guarantors—four de-escalation zones were established in Syria. While three zones came under Syrian army control in 2018, the fourth zone, encompassing Idlib and parts of Latakia, Hama, and Aleppo, remains under the control of terrorist groups, primarily Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra).

 

In late summer 2018, Russian and Turkish leaders reached an agreement in Sochi, with Turkey pledging to disarm or remove terrorist groups from the area without bloodshed. However, observers note that this promise remains unfulfilled, as terrorists in the region continue to launch attacks on Syrian military forces and Russian bases nearby.