Iran ready to consider sending troops to Syria at Damascus's request

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran is open to considering the deployment of military forces to Syria if an official request is made by the Syrian government.

Araghchi also revealed plans to visit Russia to discuss the evolving situation in Syria, highlighting Iran's active role in regional diplomacy, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media sources.   

He stressed the importance of dialogue with Türkiye to address differences regarding Syria.

"The expansion of terrorist groups in Syria may harm neighbouring countries like Iraq, Jordan, and Türkiye more than it harms Iran," he noted, emphasizing the regional implications of the Syrian conflict.

The Foreign Minister also commented on the conditions set by Syria for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from its territory, describing them as fair and reasonable.

Addressing Iran’s support for Resistance groups in Arab countries, Araghchi clarified that while Iran aids these factions when needed, it does not command them or maintain organizational ties, reaffirming Iran’s influence in regional dynamics.

On the international front, Araghchi expressed doubt about engaging in talks with Europe on Iran's nuclear program, signaling a cautious stance toward diplomatic negotiations. He further stated that Iran has no immediate plans to enter into dialogue with Washington, pending greater clarity on the policies of the incoming US administration.

Notably, Syria has been facing a resurgence of terrorism in its northwestern Aleppo province over the past week. While Iran has maintained military advisors in Syria since the onset of its conflict with terrorism in 2011, it has never been officially confirmed that Iranian troops are stationed there.

On November 27, insurgent groups launched a significant offensive in Syria, catching Assad's forces by surprise. The fighting centred around the cities of Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama, has been some of the deadliest in years. Rebel forces managed to enter parts of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. By the time the offensive reached the city, insurgents had already seized more than 50 towns and villages from Assad's forces.

The offensive quickly escalated, resulting in over 250 fatalities, mostly combatants. In addition to the direct military impact, the conflict has caused significant displacement, with over 14,000 people, including many children, fleeing the affected areas. Civilian casualties also rose, with reports of deaths due to aerial bombardments and ground clashes​.

Armed groups opposed to Bashar al-Assad's forces have reclaimed 16 more settlements in Syria's Hama province, intensifying their offensive.

Among the newly captured settlements in Hama, located south of Idlib, are Jalimeh, Alzeqa, Beridej, Jubein, Tal Meleh, Karkat, Mugayir, and Mabtan. Additionally, the groups have taken control of Tuwayne, Huweiz, Shariat, Taka, and Bab in the Ghab plain. The armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allied forces have also launched an attack on northern Hama, capturing the villages of Vastani, Madba'a, Ebru-Seyf, and the Suran district.

On November 30, opposition groups took control of several key towns in northern Hama, including Taybetul-Imam, Kafrzeita, Kafrenbuda, Hilfeyeh, Madik-Castle, Latamin, Sooran, Kirnez, Maardis, Hammaiyet, and Termaleh, ensuring a strategic advantage over Syrian army forces in the region.

By Khagan Isayev