Abbas Araghchi’s diplomatic visit to Ankara exposed tensions between Iran and Turkey over Syria, with accusations of Turkish support for rebels in Aleppo. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s commitment to Assad and hinted at potential troop deployment if requested. Turkey denied these allegations and emphasized the need for genuine peace talks as both nations prepare for a prospective meeting in Qatar.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visit to Ankara was marked by significant tension, as he conveyed Iran’s frustrations regarding Turkey’s perceived support for Syrian rebels attempting to capture Aleppo. This meeting occurred following a discussion with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, during which Araghchi reconfirmed Iran’s commitment to backing the Assad regime amid the ongoing conflict. Rather than bringing a conciliatory message from Assad, Araghchi expressed Iran’s grievances and reiterated Tehran’s pledge to support Assad decisively.
During discussions, Araghchi escalated the situation by stating Iran might consider sending troops to Syria if requested by Damascus. Turkish officials refuted claims of their support for Syrian rebels, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan countering that Iran and Assad had not actively engaged in peace negotiations and should avoid blaming external actors for their domestic challenges. Fidan emphasized that failing to recognize the opposition’s legitimate demands and the regime’s oppressive behavior had exacerbated the ongoing civil war. He reiterated Turkey’s readiness to promote dialogue between Damascus and the opposition.
Additionally, Araghchi called for an urgent meeting of the foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, and Russia, although he did not present any new proposals. This meeting is anticipated to occur at the Doha Forum in Qatar. In a separate communication, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful resolution and called for genuine engagement in the political process by the Syrian regime to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The complexities surrounding the Syrian conflict involve multiple stakeholders, with Iran and Turkey on opposing sides regarding support for the Assad regime and Syrian opposition groups. As the crisis continues to escalate, the role of external actors like Iran, Turkey, and Russia becomes increasingly pivotal. The geopolitical dynamics, particularly concerning territorial control in Syria and humanitarian implications, necessitate cooperative diplomatic efforts among these nations to attain lasting peace in the region. Recent developments reflect the growing strains in Iran-Turkey relations amidst their differing approaches to the enduring crisis in Syria.
The visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Turkey highlights the growing tensions between Iran and Turkey regarding the ongoing Syrian conflict. Araghchi’s accusations reflect Iran’s stance of unwavering support for Assad, while Turkey emphasizes the need for genuine political engagement. The call for increased dialogue among key stakeholders underscores the urgency of seeking a resolution amidst a fracturing relationship and the mounting humanitarian crisis in Syria.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
