Iran holds off on engagement with Syrian government until stability restored

Iran will not initiate any form of engagement with Syria’s transitional government until it restores order and establishes a legitimate, inclusive political structure, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated.

"Iran is not engaging with the current Syrian government. We have no contacts and we are not in a hurry to establish them. <...> We are not taking any measures against it (the new transitional government). We are just waiting for them to complete their work to ensure security, stability and to establish an inclusive legitimate government that includes all ethnic groups," Araghchi said, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

His remarks come amid escalating turmoil in Syria, where recent unrest has underscored the fragile nature of the country’s post-Assad political transition. From 6 to 10 March, security forces loyal to the new Syrian authorities launched a crackdown on armed uprisings by supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad. Clashes erupted across several provinces — Latakia, Tartus, Hama, and Homs — leaving more than 1,500 people dead in what observers have described as one of the bloodiest episodes since the regime change.

Further instability was reported on 24 March, when government forces detained 15 armed pro-Assad militants in the mountainous regions near the Idlib-Latakia border. Security operations also continued in the vicinity of Khan Sheikhoun, where government troops sought to dismantle remnants of Assad-era loyalist cells.

Araghchi confirmed that the Syrian file was central to discussions during his recent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. "Both Iran and Russia are extremely concerned about the situation in Syria, and both sides are interested in ensuring stability and security in the region," he said.

Iran, a long-time backer of the Assad regime, now appears to be taking a cautious stance amid the ongoing power transition. Its decision to delay formal diplomatic engagement underscores broader regional apprehensions about Syria’s political future and the durability of the transitional authorities.

By Vafa Guliyeva