Iran, Syria, and the Strategic Alliance: Key Figures Faisal Mekdad and Masoud Pezeshkian at the Forefront
The strategic alliance between Iran and Syria has long been a cornerstone of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Recently, a senior advisor to the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Syria, where he met with President Bashar Assad. This meeting underscored the enduring strength and depth of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. During the discussions, both parties emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and coordination across various sectors, including military, economic, and political domains. The visit by Ali Asghar Khaji, accompanied by a delegation, marked another chapter in the ongoing narrative of Iran-Syria relations.
President Bashar Assad highlighted the historical and strategic ties that bind Syria and Iran. He pointed out that the collaboration between the two countries has been instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of regional politics and conflicts. Assad stressed the necessity of maintaining and enhancing this partnership, especially in light of the external pressures and challenges both nations face. The Syrian President’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment within the Syrian government, which views Iran as a crucial ally in its efforts to maintain sovereignty and stability amidst ongoing civil unrest and international sanctions.
Ali Asghar Khaji’s visit was not limited to his meeting with President Assad. He also held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and his deputy, Bassam al-Sabbagh. These discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the critical issue of Syrian refugees. Khaji criticized Western countries for their stance on this matter and called for the implementation of a United Nations resolution to facilitate the immediate reconstruction of Syria and the return of refugees. This stance highlights Iran’s commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery and underscores the humanitarian dimension of their alliance.
The recent Syrian national assembly elections were another focal point of Khaji’s visit. He congratulated Syria on the successful conduct of the elections and expressed hope for progress in resolving the country’s political and security issues. Khaji’s comments reflect Iran’s vested interest in the political stability of Syria, which is seen as essential for the broader strategic goals of both nations. Additionally, Khaji thanked President Assad and the high-ranking Syrian delegation for their attendance at the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Ebrahim Raisi, further solidifying the diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Khaji also mentioned a recent phone call between President Assad and Iran’s president-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian. This conversation is indicative of the ongoing high-level communication and coordination between the two nations. The relationship between Syria and Iran is often described as strategic and brotherly, a sentiment echoed by both leaders during their interactions. This trip by the Iranian delegation follows the recent election of a new president in Iran, signaling a continuity of policy and support for Syria under the new administration.
The Iranian government’s support for the Syrian regime has been multifaceted, encompassing military, financial, and political assistance. Iran’s involvement in the Syrian civil war has been pivotal in bolstering the Assad regime against various opposition forces. This support has not only helped maintain the Syrian government’s control over key territories but has also cemented Iran’s influence in the region. The strategic alliance between Iran and Syria is thus seen as a counterbalance to the influence of Western powers and their allies in the Middle East.
In a related development, Tehran announced its support for the resumption of rapprochement talks between Ankara and Damascus. This announcement came during a meeting between Khaji and Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Damascus. Iran’s position is that problems in the region should be resolved through political dialogue rather than military means. The initial meetings between Syria and Turkey were held in Tehran and later continued in a quadripartite manner. Khaji emphasized the need for more discussions to further develop relations between the two countries, highlighting Iran’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts.
The discussions between Khaji and Mekdad also touched on economic affairs, the return of refugees to Syria, and the fight against terrorism. The unannounced visit by the Iranian delegation underscores the strategic importance of these talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin also reaffirmed his support for Syria, emphasizing the defense of its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Putin’s remarks came in response to a telegram from President Assad on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Russian-Syrian relations, indicating the broader geopolitical context in which these developments are taking place.
These diplomatic moves have not gone unnoticed by the United States. Washington has expressed its opposition to any rapprochement that would strengthen Iran’s influence in Syria and potentially lead to the removal of US forces from the country. Former US Ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, noted that Iraq’s mediation between Ankara and Damascus cannot be separated from Tehran’s goal of removing US forces from Syria. This geopolitical chess game highlights the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that define the Middle Eastern political landscape.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has commented on the rising tensions in the region, stating that a wider war in the Middle East is not inevitable and that there are always opportunities for diplomacy. Austin’s remarks come in the wake of recent strikes in the region, including Israel’s claim of killing a Hezbollah commander and a strike that allegedly killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. The United States has reiterated its commitment to defending Israel if attacked, but the priority remains de-escalating tensions and finding diplomatic solutions to the myriad conflicts in the region.
In another significant development, Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to existing agreements with Syria. During his visit, Khaji emphasized that Iran is dedicated to enhancing ties with Syria as outlined in their current agreements. This commitment was reiterated in meetings with both Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and President Bashar al-Assad. The discussions aimed at setting new goals for strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on various fields such as economic cooperation, military coordination, and political support. The reaffirmation of these commitments highlights the enduring nature of the Iran-Syria alliance.
The return of Syrian refugees from Jordan has also been a topic of discussion. A significant number of refugees have returned to Syria in the first half of this year, marking a 63% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This trend is seen as a positive development in the context of Syria’s ongoing reconstruction efforts. The issue of refugee return is closely linked to the broader goals of political stability and economic recovery in Syria, both of which are areas where Iran has pledged its support. The discussions during Khaji’s visit underscore the multifaceted nature of the Iran-Syria relationship, which spans humanitarian, economic, and strategic dimensions.
The inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has also drawn significant international attention. Over 50 foreign delegations arrived in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony. These delegations included presidents, prime ministers, parliamentary leaders, and high-ranking officials from various countries. The presence of such a diverse group of international representatives underscores the global significance of Iran’s political transitions. The ceremony marked the official start of President Pezeshkian’s term, setting the stage for the continuation of Iran’s foreign policy priorities, including its strategic alliance with Syria.