Iran says ready to support Syria army, warns armed groups ‘plotting regional chaos’
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran is fully prepared to support the Iraqi government, people and army “to the extent required.”
Araghchi, who is in Baghdad as part of his recent regional tours following the resurgence of terrorism in Syria, made the remarks after a meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid on Friday.
“Our goal is to strengthen consultations and coordination in order to support the Syrian government and people and to achieve greater coordination on political positions,” he said.
He added that in talks with Iraqi officials, the sides plan to discuss the latest developments in Syria, noting that the two countries will continue consultations to improve common coordination.
He added that the Iraqi president has welcomed the meeting of the foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq, and Syria in Baghdad which focused on the developments in Syria.
Syria has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy since March 2011, with Damascus saying the Western states and their regional allies are aiding terrorist groups to wreak havoc in the Arab country.
The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) armed group launched a large-scale attack in Aleppo and Idlib provinces in the northwest of Syria on November 27, seizing several areas. Since then, the Syrian government forces have been engaged in fierce clashes to regain ground.
Armed groups hatch long-term plot to cause chaos in region: Araghchi
In a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, the Iranian foreign minister said the continuation of insecurity and instability in Syria poses a threat to security of all the countries in the region.
“The Takfiri-terrorist groups have hatched a long-term plot to cause insecurity and violence in the region,” Araghchi added.
The Iraqi government and nation understand the threat of terrorism much more than others given their bitter and, of course, valuable experience they gained during the effective fight against Daesh terrorism, he noted.
He said Iran and other regional countries are keen to improve coordination with Iraq in the face of new challenges.
Pointing to constant consultations between Tehran and Baghdad on bilateral and regional issues, the top Iranian diplomat explained that his talks with Iraqi authorities aim to review the latest developments in Syria following attacks by foreign-backed armed groups on Syrian cities.
He urged regional countries to hold more consultations to prevent the spread of insecurity.
The Iraqi foreign minister, for his part, said his country’s principled stance is to support Syria’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty as well as its fight against terrorism.
Hussein added that Iraq has started extensive diplomatic efforts at regional and international levels to gain support for the battle against the Takfiri terrorists.
Iraq will continue to work tirelessly to enhance intl. peace: Rashid
The Iraqi president on Friday vowed to continue to work tirelessly to promote international peace and security.
In a meeting with a high-level Iranian delegation led by Araghchi, Latif Rashid reiterated Iraq’s dedication to fostering a stable and peaceful environment.
“Iraq is committed to preventing further regional turmoil. The situation in Syria is not only a grave concern globally but also poses significant implications for the Middle East,” the president said.
He stressed the need to intensify collective efforts and strengthen coordination to achieve security and stability across the region.
“It is imperative that we stand united to protect Syria’s unity, sovereignty and the safety of its people,” he said.
“Regional and international consultation must remain ongoing as we develop strategic plans to mitigate the impact of rapidly unfolding events.”
According to the report, the Iranian foreign minister commended Iraq’s efforts to promote stability and resolve conflicts in the region.
Araghchi highlighted the positive ripple effects of Iraq’s leadership in fostering security, political stability and economic prosperity for the people of the West Asia region.
The report said Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein was also present in the meeting, which centered on strengthening regional collaboration to address pressing political and security challenges.
It noted that the talks focused on recent developments in the region, with particular attention to the escalating conflict in Syria.
The Iraqi president and Iranian foreign minister expressed their commitment to fostering joint solutions for the region’s most critical issues.
Syria developments 'inseparable' from those in Lebanon, Gaza: Iraqi PM
In a meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani said the ongoing developments in Syria are not separated from the events in Gaza and Lebanon which aim to destabilize the region.
"Iraq's official, fixed stance is in support of Syria's unity, security and stability," Sudani added, according to a statement from his office.
The Iraqi prime minister highlighted the importance of respecting Syria’s territorial integrity.
He said Baghdad was pressing diplomatic efforts aimed at "containing the crisis in Syria due to its clear impact on Iraqi security."
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