Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the need for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon during his visit to Damascus to meet with Syrian officials. Araghchi stressed the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts in the region and expressed hope for successful initiatives for ceasefire.
His visit comes at a crucial time, nearly a year after tensions escalated between Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza and Israel, leading to widespread violence. The conflict has also involved Lebanon’s Hezbollah, drawing Iran further into the dispute.
Araghchi’s discussions in Syria followed his visit to Beirut where he advocated for a truce acceptable to Hezbollah, alongside a ceasefire in Gaza. The Iranian delegation’s journey was complicated by an Israeli airstrike that disrupted travel between Lebanon and Syria.
Iran’s unwavering support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since the start of the civil war highlights the country’s strategic alliances in the region.
Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2024