Iran and Oman have called for Syria’s territorial integrity and the establishment of an inclusive government following the uprising led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham against Bashar Al Assad. The meeting between their foreign ministers highlighted both nations’ commitment to respecting ethnic diversity within Syria’s governance and also addressed regional challenges faced by Iranian-backed groups.
Iran and Oman collaborated on Monday to advocate for Syria’s territorial integrity and the establishment of an inclusive government following the overthrow of Bashar Al Assad’s regime by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS). Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi convened in Tehran for discussions on bilateral relations and ongoing regional developments, including the situations in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen. Minister Araghchi expressed a mutual commitment to acknowledging all ethnicities and religions within Syria, highlighting the importance of forming a government representative of the diverse populace. Minister Al Busaidi reiterated the necessity of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and independence.
In recent months, Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’, comprising various militant groups pivotal to its foreign agenda, has experienced notable challenges. These include significant blows to Hamas, with losses in Gaza and the assassinations of prominent leaders, impacting Iran’s regional influence. Concurrently, Israel has targeted and eliminated key figures within Hezbollah in Lebanon. All these events coincide with the political upheaval in Syria and the decline in influence of Assad’s regime. Oman, recognized for its mediating role between Iran and Western nations on key issues, particularly the contentious nuclear program, continues to maintain open dialogue with the Iranian government.
During the press conference following the meeting, Minister Araghchi acknowledged the longstanding friendship with Oman but clarified that no formal messages were exchanged during this particular visit. He assured that necessary communications with the United States would persist through appropriate channels, such as the Swiss Embassy. Mr. Al Busaidi emphasized the historical relationship between Iran and Oman, attesting to their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
The geopolitical dynamic surrounding Syria has been intensely complex, particularly following the civil war that led to the ousting of President Bashar Al Assad. Iran has played a significant role in supporting Assad’s regime, while Oman has positioned itself as a neutral mediator seeking to balance interests in the region. The evolving situation has implications for both the stability in Syria and the broader Middle Eastern landscape, particularly concerning alliances countering Israel and addressing pieces of Iran’s foreign policy puzzle, such as its nuclear ambitions and its alliances with various militant groups. This continues to affect diplomatic relations and influence naval territorial disputes around the region’s geopolitical borders.
The recent discussions between Iran and Oman underscore a shared commitment to Syria’s unity and governance structure that reflects local demographics. As both nations navigate a shifting regional landscape characterized by the decline of Iranian influence and challenges to militant groups, this collaboration may contribute to a stabilizing force in an increasingly fragmented environment. The emphasis on bilateral relations points to a broader strategy of cooperation and mutual respect necessary for the region’s future security and diplomatic engagements.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
