Iran will suspend flights to Syria until January 22, following the political fallout after President Bashar al-Assad’s departure from leadership amid rebellion in Damascus. The Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation cited the need for entry permits from Syria’s new ruling authority as the reason for the continued flight ban, and the Iranian Foreign Ministry has advised against travel to Syria due to recent unrest.
Iran has announced a continuation of the suspension of flights to Syria until late January, following significant political changes in Syria’s leadership. The head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, Hossein Pourfarzaneh, indicated that flights to Syria would remain prohibited until January 22, as the new ruling authority has not provided entry permits. The decision stems partly from escalating tensions after President Bashar al-Assad’s departure due to an insurgent offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, resulting in a substantial decrease of Iranian presence in Syria, including the vandalism of Iran’s embassy in Damascus.
The suspension of Iranian flights to Syria occurs amid a pivotal shift in the Syrian political landscape, where President Bashar al-Assad, a longstanding ally of Iran, has fled amidst mounting pressure from rebel forces. Iran has historically been a crucial backer of al-Assad during Syria’s civil conflict, providing military and strategic support. The recent takeover of Damascus by the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham complicates Iran’s role in the region and raises concerns over the safety of Iranians in Syria, prompting warnings from Iranian officials against travel to the country.
In conclusion, the ongoing suspension of Iranian flights to Syria highlights the significant geopolitical shifts in the region following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Iran’s inability to obtain necessary entry permissions illustrates the deteriorating relations with Syria’s new rulers. Furthermore, security concerns have led Iranian authorities to caution against travel to Syria, reflecting the increasing instability in the country and the implications for Iran’s foreign policy.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
