Iran: Syrian people will decide their future without foreign interference

Iran asserts that the Syrian people hold the exclusive right to decide their fate free from 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.

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.

Tel Aviv tells Damascus Israeli forces will remain in occupied territory: Report

The Israeli regime reportedly informed Syria’s new administration that the occupation troops will remain stationed at a so-called “buffer zone” inside the occupied Syrian Golan Heights "for now."

Iran, E3 set to resume talks in mid-January

Elsewhere, Baghaei said a fresh round of talks between Iran and the European troika – Britain, France, and Germany -- regarding Tehran’s nuclear program and regional issues is likely to kick off in mid-January.

He noted that Iran and the three European countries, also known as E3, initially agreed to carry on with talks following the previous format and context.

Iran has consistently stayed committed to negotiations over the past two decades in an effort to address concerns and has never abandoned the negotiating table, he highlighted.

Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s decisions will be based on the attitudes and actions of the parties involved.

Iran, European troika agree to pursue dialogue 'in near future': Senior diplomat

A senior Iranian diplomat says Tehran and the European troika agree to pursue dialogue in the near future.

Tensions between Iran and European countries have escalated over the past two years due to European accusations.

European countries claim that Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict, an allegation that Tehran has categorically rejected.

In a recent action against Tehran, the European troika pushed the adoption of a resolution in the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in November.

The resolution accused Tehran of poor cooperation with the agency and demanded a “comprehensive” report on its nuclear activities by spring 2025.

In response, Iran said it has activated a “series of new and advanced centrifuges.”

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