Iran confirms it is in ‘indirect’ communication with new Syria authorities

Iran has confirmed that it is in “indirect” communication with Syria’s new authorities, claiming that it seeks to work with Damascus to rebuild the war-torn nation.

Speaking to Iranian national television in Russia’s capital Moscow, Iranian special envoy for Syria, Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, confirmed that Tehran has established “indirect channels of communication” with Syria’s new interim government, more than two months after the former Syrian rebels overthrew the late Assad regime – a key ally of Tehran.

Highlighting what he called Iran’s “forward-looking approach” to the situation in Syria, Sheibani stressed his country’s commitment to “restoring stability and unity” in the country, noting that his government is “closely monitoring developments” and will act “at the appropriate time” to ensure the longevity of Syria’s sovereignty, without specifying how.

The special envoy claimed that Iran is ready and willing to support “all Syrian political factions” in rebuilding, stating that “the future of Syria must be decided by its people, free from external dictates” that include “foreign intervention”.

READ: Former Iraq PM calls for Shia intervention into Syria to oppose the ‘great sedition’