Ali Akbar Velayati, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned of a civil war risk in Syria and criticized Turkey’s exaggerations. This statement underscores ongoing tensions in Turkish-Iranian relations, particularly regarding their conflicting roles in the Syrian conflict and recent diplomatic strains.
On Wednesday, Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, expressed concerns regarding the potential outbreak of civil war in Syria. He emphasized that predicting Syria’s future remains uncertain, stating, “A civil war could break out in Syria at any moment… It is impossible to predict Syria’s future at this time.” Velayati highlights indications of the country’s division based on Iran’s assessments.
Moreover, Velayati criticized Turkish officials for what he deemed as “exaggerations,” urging them to respect diplomatic standards. He declared that Tehran “will not remain silent” regarding Ankara’s claims. This warning underscores the strained relations that have persisted since the collapse of the previous Syrian regime.
Relations between Turkey and Iran have been fraught, particularly due to Iran’s ongoing criticism of Turkey’s support for opposition groups that played a role in the downfall of Bashar al-Assad. In turn, Ankara has suggested that Iran may be inciting certain factions to heighten tensions in predominantly Alawite areas.
The diplomatic friction peaked recently, with the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoning Iran’s chargé d’affaires after Tehran had summoned Turkish Ambassador Hicabi Kırlangıç, indicating increasing mutual accusations between the two nations.
Ali Akbar Velayati’s warnings about a potential civil war in Syria highlight escalating tensions in the region and the fragile stability of the country. His criticism of Turkey’s alleged exaggerations reflects the broader discord between Iran and Turkey over their respective roles in Syria’s conflict. These tensions are further compounded by mutual suspicion and diplomatic exchanges, signifying a continuous decline in bilateral relations.
Original Source: shafaq.com
