Iran Suspends Flights to Syria Amid Political Unrest Until Late January 2025
Iran flights to Syria are suspended until January 22, 2025, due to a lack of entry permits amidst political turmoil following President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster by rebel forces. Iranian nationals are warned against traveling to Syria as relations with the new ruling authority remain tenuous.
Iranian flights to Syria are currently suspended and will continue to be on hold until late January, as reported by local media outlets. The head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, Hossein Pourfarzaneh, articulated that the cessation is due to the requirement for the destination country to issue entry and admission permits. Presently, flights to Syria will not be permitted until January 22, 2025, following the New Year holidays, although details regarding the exact date of the initial flight suspension remain unclear.
The suspension coincides with significant political upheaval, marked by the recent departure of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who fled as rebel forces, particularly the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overtook the Syrian capital, Damascus. The shift in power has triggered a departure wave of Iranians from Syria, alongside an assault on Tehran’s embassy in the country. The new leadership in Syria, under HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, has consistently opposed Iran’s influence in Syrian affairs. Following this turmoil, Iran’s foreign ministry has expressed that there exist “no direct contact” with the newly established ruling authority in Syria. Furthermore, Iranian nationals have been advised against traveling to Syria amidst the evolving situation.
The suspension of Iranian flights to Syria highlights the ongoing volatile political climate in Syria, particularly after President Bashar al-Assad’s ousting. Iran has historically been a steadfast ally of Assad, providing military and diplomatic support during the Syrian civil war. The recent takeover by HTS marks a significant shift in control, as they assume power amid widespread unrest. This dynamic has fostered a sense of instability not only for the Syrian government but also for Iranian interests in the region, affecting citizen travel and diplomatic relations.
In summary, Iranian flights to Syria remain rooted in a broader context of political instability following the exit of President Bashar al-Assad and the rise of HTS, which has actively opposed Iranian involvement in Syria. With travel restrictions in place until late January, Iranians have been cautioned against venturing to an increasingly perilous region. The lack of direct communication between Iran and the new Syrian leadership underscores the deterioration of relations and the uncertainties shaping this complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
