Iran, Oman urge independence, stability, inclusive government in Syria

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran and Oman as well as the majority of countries in the region have commonalities on the regional issues and all call for the promotion of independence and stability in Syria.

Araghchi made the remarks in a joint press conference with Oman's Foreign Minister Said Badr al-Busaidi in Tehran on Monday after the two top diplomats held detailed talks about the latest developments in the region and ways to expand mutual relations.

“We have consensus on maintenance of territorial integrity and unity, respect for all ethnics and religions and the formation of an inclusive government in Syria,” the Iranian minister said.

Iran's positions have much in common with Oman and most of the countries in the region, and we all want independence and stability in Syria.

Syria has been witnessing chaotic scenes after militants, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took control of Damascus on December 8 and declared an end to former president Bashar al-Assad’s rule in a surprise offensive that was launched from their stronghold in northwestern parts of the country, reaching the capital in less than two weeks.

The HTS administration has repeatedly claimed they would respect the rights of all sects and religions in Syria.

The situation, however, remains very fluid and fragile, with a potential risk of further clashes as sectarian sentiments continue to boil over, amid the ongoing political instability and pressures on minority groups.

Syria’s terrorist rulers committing ethnic cleansing in Christian town: Rights group

A rights advocacy organization says Christians have been threatened by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group to evacuate the southwestern Syrian town of Maaloula, in what has been decried as an act of ethnic cleansing.

Araghchi further pointed to close stance and constant consultations between Iran and Oman on regional matters and said the two countries stress the need to establish an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and send aid to the war-ravaged Strip.

At least 45,514 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed and 108,189 people wounded in the war that Israel began on October 7, 2023 following a retaliatory operation by the Palestinian territory’s resistance movements.

Pointing to mutual talks about the developments in Yemen, the Iranian foreign minister said Tehran and Muscat condemn the joint attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime on the Yemeni territory.

“We emphasize preserving Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity and hope that the peace talks will resume and that we will prevent conspiracies that could lead to another war,” Araghchi said.

Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine’s struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a genocidal war on Gaza.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they would not stop their attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end.

Iran, Oman enjoy growing ties in various fields: Araghchi

Elsewhere in the presser, Araghchi hailed “growing” relations between Tehran and Muscat in various fields and said a meeting of the two countries’ joint economic committee would convene in Oman next month.

He added that the volume of trade between the two countries has been tripled in the last Iranian calendar year (ended on March 19) in comparison with three years ago.

The value of the two countries’ trade in the last Iranian year reached 2.5 billion dollars, Araghchi noted.

Oman FM carries no message from US for Iran: Araghchi

Araghchi said the Omani government has always been ready to help boost Iran’s ties with some countries and played a transparent role during the nuclear negotiations – that led to the conclusion of the 2015 nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He, however, clarified that no messages have been exchanged during Busaidi’s current trip to Tehran.

“We will continue to exchange the necessary messages with the American side at the appropriate time through the Swiss embassy,” the top Iranian diplomat emphasized.

Oman insists on strengthening cooperation with Iran: Busaidi

The Omani foreign minister, for his part, said good talks with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran indicate deep-rooted mutual relations and added that his country insists on promoting cooperation with Iran to serve common interests.

He noted that he conveyed a written message from Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in line with continued consultations on the expansion of ties.

During the talks, Iran and Oman agreed to take new steps to increase trade interaction and facilitate transportation, he said.

Like Iran, Oman supports the policy of non-interference in the countries’ internal affairs, the Omani minister added.

He stressed the need to preserve Syria’s independence and territorial integrity and help the country play its international role.

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