Iran: Syrian people will decide their future without foreign interference

During a weekly press briefing in Tehran on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized the Islamic Republic’s unwavering commitment to preserving Syria’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“It is important that the parties involved in the developments in Syria adhere to this principle in practice,” Baghaei said.

According to Baghaei, Iran has been in contact with the opposition groups in Syria for a long time and its presence in Syria was aimed to prevent the advancement of Daesh terrorists and the spread of terrorism throughout the region.

He added that Iran has contributed to “developing political processes” in Syria while clarifying that there is “no direct affiliation with the current administration” in the Arab country.

“It is crucial to ensure that Syria does not become a breeding ground for terrorism and that all nations recognize the potential consequences of regional instability, as insecurity in one country can easily spread to others in the region,” Baghaei pointed out.

He cautioned regional countries against the Israeli regime’s psychological warfare aimed at creating chaos in the region.

The spokesperson reiterated Iran’s resolve to defend itself and give a response to any vicious act.

Baghaei stated that the continued presence of American military forces in Syria undermines efforts to protect the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

He urged all nations concerned about Syria’s future to adopt a clear position on this issue.

Baghaei said that the UN General Assembly has been mentioning the Zionist regime's responsibility for environmental issues since 2007, adding that Palestinian natural resources have been violated and the recent resolution is in line with the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

He added that another resolution issued by the UNGA in recent days has urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an advisory opinion on the Zionist regime's policy of stopping the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

No action has been taken to implement the six provisional measures of the ICJ to halt the genocide of the Zionist regime so far, the spokesman said.

The Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group along with other militants seized control of Damascus on December 8, forcing former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to leave the country.

Since the downfall of Assad, Israel has wiped out Syrian naval vessels, sea-to-sea missiles, helicopters, and planes, including the entire fleet of MiG-29 fighter jets, and stockpiles of ammunition in attacks on at least five air bases.