Iran: Continuation of Astana Process depends on shifting Syrian dynamics

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has emphasized that the future of the Astana Process depends on the changing dynamics in Syria and the actions of the three guarantor nations involved in the negotiations.

During a meeting in Tehran with Iranian parliamentarians on December 9 morning, Araqchi provided an update on Iran’s recent diplomatic efforts and their outcomes, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

When questioned about whether Syrian opposition groups would be recognized or involved in the next Astana Process meeting, Araqchi clarified that the format comprises only Iran, Russia, and Türkiye.

He added that the Syrian government has never participated in the Astana Process and that opposition groups are not expected to join.

Araqchi emphasized that the continuation of the Astana Process will rely on the course of events in Syria and the decisions of the three guarantor nations. Additionally, he pointed out that Arab states have never been part of the format.

This comes in the wake of a dramatic development on December 8, as opposition fighters stormed Damascus and declared the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, who has reportedly fled to Moscow.

Amidst this, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has reiterated Tehran’s commitment to respecting Syria’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and unity. The Ministry has underlined that the country’s future must be decided solely by its own people.

By Aghakazim Guliyev