Where to Find the Clue to Untangling Syria’s Complex Crisis?
WANA (Dec 07) – With the rapid advances of opposition forces in the provinces of Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama, concerns about the fall of Damascus have grown.
This has sparked a wave of speculation and diverse analyses regarding how the Islamic Republic of Iran should act in this scenario. Many of these analyses perceive Iran as a player that, regardless of the political dynamics on the ground, must maintain its pivotal role in Syria’s developments as it has in the past.
Since the onset of tensions in Syria, the Islamic Republic has launched diplomatic efforts at the regional level. Recently, however, Iran has more explicitly voiced its support for Syria. Yet, unlike earlier phases of the Syrian conflict, Iran’s tone this time seems different.
In an interview with an Iraqi network, Abbas Araghchi described Iran’s support for Syria at this stage as contingent on “Damascus’ request,” stating, “We will support them based on what Syria asks of us.” This subtle statement appears to reveal a key clue to analyzing the current situation.
Furthermore, the foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq, and Syria have issued a joint statement emphasizing that, at this stage, diplomatic coordination and consultations remain the only viable options for addressing and resolving the crisis. Notably, this clear message has been conveyed from Iraqi soil with the Syrian foreign minister’s endorsement.
In the media realm, Iran’s state broadcaster has also adopted a visibly altered tone, signaling that Iran’s strategy toward the Syrian crisis may diverge from its previous approach during Bashar al-Assad’s earlier clashes with opposition forces.
WANA (Dec 03) – In an interview Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed his plans to travel to Russia to discuss the situation in Syria. He emphasized that Iran is preparing significant efforts to stabilize Syria and create opportunities for initiating a permanent solution and stated “Iran will consider sending forces to Syria if requested […]
Araghchi: Iran Will Consider Sending Forces to Syria if Requested by Damascus
Given these developments, Iran’s response to the Syrian crisis at this juncture should perhaps be understood not as a pre-designed strategy, but as a reaction shaped by Damascus’ choices.
Iran’s and Iraq’s expressed concerns over the potential spillover of insecurity into other parts of the region should be interpreted less as a warning and more as a preventive demand directed at the Syrian government.
This demand underscores Damascus’ awareness of critical dimensions, particularly regarding support for the Resistance Axis and red lines tied to sacred sites.
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