Iran has suspended flights to Syria until January 22 due to the political instability following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The lack of entry permits from the new leadership and the vandalization of the Iranian embassy signal a shift in Iran’s operational capabilities in Syria. The Iranian foreign ministry has advised against travel to Syria, highlighting the current security concerns.
Iranian flights to Syria are expected to remain suspended until late January, following recent political upheaval marked by the departure of longstanding ally President Bashar al-Assad. According to local media reports, Hossein Pourfarzaneh, head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, stated that entry and admission permits from the destination country are necessary for flights to operate. Consequently, no flights will be permitted until January 22, post New Year holidays. The exact timing of the flight suspension remains unclear. Following the fall of Assad’s regime, thousands of Iranians have vacated Syria, leading to incidents such as the vandalism of Tehran’s embassy in Damascus by rebel factions. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new leader representing the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has publicly criticized Iran’s extensive involvement in Syria. In light of these developments, Iran’s foreign ministry has noted the absence of direct communication with Syria’s new ruling authority and advised citizens against travelling to Syria.
The suspension of Iranian flights to Syria is primarily a consequence of the political turmoil resulting from Assad’s ousting by opposition forces. Iran has historically been one of Assad’s main supporters during the Syrian civil war, providing military and strategic assistance. With the rebel group HTS seizing power, the dynamics of Iran’s relationship with Syria are undergoing significant changes. This shift not only affects bilateral travel and trade but also indicates a larger geopolitical recalibration in the region, particularly concerning foreign involvement in the Syrian conflict.
The suspension of Iranian flights to Syria until late January underscores the deepening crisis following Assad’s removal from power. This situation reflects Iran’s precarious position in a rapidly evolving political landscape, as the new authority in Syria appears less favorable to Tehran’s interests. The warning against Iranian citizens traveling to Syria further illustrates the deteriorated security situation in the region and the complexities surrounding foreign relations post-Assad.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
