WANA (Dec 27) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araqchi, addressed the Arab League, emphasizing that Iran, like the member states of the Arab League, desires stability, peace, and the prevention of chaos and disorder in Syria. He stated that overcoming the current turbulent period in the region requires rationality, cooperation, collaboration, and avoiding discord and short-sighted opportunism.

 

Speaking from Beijing on the evening of December 27, Araqchi responded to the Arab League’s claims against Iran. In a statement, the Arab League had expressed concern over recent clashes in several Syrian cities, accusing Iranian officials of provoking internal conflicts in Syria with their remarks.

 

Addressing the Arab League members, Araqchi said: “Ladies and gentlemen of the Arab League, we, like you, are committed to stability, peace, and preventing chaos and disorder in Syria for very clear reasons.”

 

He elaborated on these reasons:

To preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity.

To ensure the security of all ethnic and religious groups, including Sunnis, Shias, Alawites, and Kurds.

To protect the sanctity and safety of sacred sites and shrines.

To restrict the proliferation of illegal weapons.

To reject any form of foreign intervention under any pretext.

To prevent Syria from becoming a haven for terrorism, extremism, and violence.

To ensure Syria poses no threats to its neighbors or the broader region.

To deter further adventurism and dangerous expansionism by Israel and compel it to withdraw from occupied territories.

Finally, to facilitate the formation of an inclusive government in Syria.

 

Concern Over Instigation in Syria

Araqchi added that Iran is also concerned about provocations and pretexts intended to divert public and regional attention toward fabricated threats. He noted that such provocateurs aim to legitimize the continued occupation of parts of Syria’s territory, particularly by Israel and the United States; justify foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs; deprive segments of the Syrian population from participating in shaping their future; and ultimately, advance their own agendas by projecting Syria’s internal challenges outward.

 

He concluded by emphasizing that navigating the current turbulent phase in the region demands rationality, cooperation, and refraining from creating divisions and pursuing short-term gains. “The Islamic Republic of Iran shares the vision of other regional countries for a peaceful transition toward forming an inclusive government in Syria, with the participation of all factions, ethnicities, and religious groups. Iran stands ready to assist in achieving these shared goals.”