Iranian President Calls for Israeli Withdrawal from Syrian Territory
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian calls for Israel’s withdrawal from Syrian territories during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, highlighting regional concerns over sovereignty and religious sites. The discussions follow the fall of Bashar al-Assad, amidst increased Israeli airstrikes in the region. Sudani reaffirms support for Syrian autonomy amid the ongoing foreign military presence in the region.
On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territories, which has gained significance following the recent upheaval in Syria that led to the fall of long-time ally Bashar al-Assad. This statement was made during a visit in Tehran from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, which prioritized discussions on trade, cooperation, and the evolving situation in Syria.
During the meeting, President Pezeshkian emphasized the need for the Zionist regime to relinquish its occupation of Syrian lands and highlighted the importance of safeguarding the religious sentiments surrounding Shia holy sites in the region. Concurrently, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, cautioned against the interference of foreign governments in Syria.
As the conflict escalated, Assad’s regime faced a significant challenge with the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) capturing Damascus, forcing Assad’s retreat. In the wake of his fall, Israel has reportedly conducted hundreds of airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites to prevent the transfer of strategic weaponry to adversaries. Israel maintains a military presence in a region separating the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syrian-controlled areas, a territory seized during the 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict, and which is deemed illegally occupied according to international law.
During his visit, Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to honoring the autonomy of the Syrian populace, advocating for a political framework of their choosing without external influence. Additionally, Khamenei reiterated the necessity to resist the ongoing presence of U.S. troops in Iraq, affirming a strong stance against foreign military involvement.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has significantly reshaped regional alliances and geopolitics, particularly following the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad. Iran, a principal ally of Assad, has repeatedly voiced opposition to Israeli military operations in Syria, viewing them as violations of sovereignty. The complex dynamics involve various factions, including Iran, Israel, and militant groups, each seeking to exert influence over the country’s future. The recent meeting between Iranian and Iraqi leaders underscores the interplay of these regional relationships and the commitment to a sovereign Syria free from foreign domination.
In summary, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s call for Israeli withdrawal from Syria highlights Iran’s continuing commitment to opposing Israeli actions in the region. With Iraq’s Prime Minister Sudani’s support for Syrian autonomy, the dialogue between these countries emphasizes the pursuit of a peaceful transition reflecting the people’s will. Furthermore, the context of foreign military presence remains a contentious issue, particularly regarding the U.S. involvement in Iraq.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
