Iran: the fall of the Syrian regime is a 'threat to Israeli security'

The fall of the Syrian regime would be a threat to Israel’s security, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollohian warned recently.

Abdollohian’s remarks were made on the sidelines of a forum on Iraq and international coalition against ISIS which was held in Tehran last Thursday at the Institute of Strategic Studies of the Middle East. The deputy foreign minister warned that any political changes in Syria would have many consequences: “We have to send a very clear message to the United States that if they attempt to change the Syrian regime via their war on terror, then they must also know that Israel will not experience a sense of security.”

“Any malicious act that is done to undermine or shake the Syrian regime under the pretext of combatting ISIS will not only shake the American-Israeli alliance but it will also have dire consequences,” he added.

Abdollohian explained: “We do not want for the Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to remain in power forever by any means; however, we will not allow for the Syrian government to be overthrown by terrorists using an axis of resistance.”

“If necessary, the Islamic Republic of Iran will take any action necessary to protect its allies, so long as it is under the framework of international law.”

He said Iran is currently undergoing talks with Turkey in relation to solving the crisis in Kobane, a Kurdish city in Syria which is currently under attack from ISIS.

“The discussions with our Turkish friends are ongoing, as we believe that Turkey can play a greater role in ensuring that Syrian refugees return to their homeland,” Abdollohian clarified.

In response to the question of whether or not it is possible that Iran will provide weapons to the people of Kobane, Abdollohian said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is working within a framework that will support the Syrian government in its fight against terrorism and as such, we will take any appropriate action necessary to provide support for the Kurds in Kobane.”

In regards to the possibility of the division of Iraq, Abdollohian said, “We support a unified Iraq and this is for the benefit of the region”.