Abbas Araghchi’s tense visit to Turkey highlighted Iranian frustrations over alleged Turkish support for Syrian rebels in Aleppo. Instead of diplomatic proposals, Araghchi accused Turkey of betrayal. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan refuted these claims, advocating for genuine engagement in peace negotiations by Iran and the Assad regime. The meeting ended with plans for a high-level summit to address the ongoing conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Ankara experienced significant tension as he accused Turkey of facilitating a Syrian rebel offensive aimed at seizing Aleppo. Following his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, where he reaffirmed Iran’s support for Syria, Araghchi’s mission to Turkey was anticipated to convey a diplomatic message from Assad; however, he instead lodged complaints against Turkey. He alleged Turkey’s betrayal in supporting rebel forces and restated Iran’s commitment to assist Assad under all circumstances.
In an escalation of rhetoric, Araghchi suggested that Iran would contemplate deploying troops to Syria if requested by the Assad regime. Turkish officials, however, denied any support to the Syrian rebels, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan admonishing Araghchi for Iran’s lack of genuine participation in peace negotiations and emphasizing that both Assad and Iran should not deflect blame onto external factors for the ongoing oppression in Syria.
At a subsequent press briefing, Fidan underscored that attributing the Aleppo offensive to foreign interventions was erroneous. He stated, “This is a mistake and a refuge for those unwilling to understand the realities in Syria.” Fidan highlighted the need for political engagement and acknowledged the adverse effect of the Syrian regime’s actions on the conflict. Araghchi proposed an urgent meeting among the foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, and Russia, although he did not introduce any new ideas during the discussions. Planning for the summit is underway for later in the week at the Doha Forum conference in Qatar, where relevant officials will be in attendance.
Ankara remains resolute in its belief that diplomacy is essential for resolving the crisis, as reiterated by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Erdogan expressed commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution while emphasizing the imperative for the Syrian regime to participate sincerely in political dialogues to avert further deterioration of the situation.
The geopolitical landscape in Syria has been characterized by a complex interplay of violence and foreign involvement, with Iranian and Turkish positions often at odds. Iran has actively supported the Assad regime, while Turkey has been accused of supporting certain rebel factions. The tensions between these regional powers reflect not only their differing interests in Syria but also the challenges of achieving a sustainable resolution to the civil war. Recent offensives by rebel groups have exacerbated these tensions, prompting diplomatic visits and discussions aimed at securing peace while navigating the complexities of the Syrian conflict.
In summary, Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Turkey underscored the deteriorating relationship between Iran and Turkey regarding their roles in the Syrian conflict. Accusations exchanged during the tense discussions elucidate the complexities of diplomatic efforts amidst ongoing violence. As both nations prepare for a critical summit involving Russia, the need for a cohesive approach to peace and stability in Syria remains paramount in the eyes of regional leaders. The commitment to diplomatic dialogue amidst mutual grievances may identify pathways toward resolution, though challenges persist.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
