Iran's FM arrives from Damascus to Türkiye to discuss current situation in Syria

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Ankara to discuss bilateral and regional issues with high-ranking Turkish officials.

Araghchi was welcomed by Turkish and Iranian officials, including the Iranian ambassador to Ankara, upon his arrival at Ankara airport on December 2 morning, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

Regional developments, especially the current situation in Syria is high on the agenda of Araghchi’s scheduled meetings with Turkish officials.

On December 1 evening, the top Iranian diplomat arrived in the Turkish capital after his visit to Damascus where he met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and emphasized Tehran's full support for the Arab country its government and people in their fight against terrorism.

Iran, Türkiye, and Russia are the guarantor countries of the Astana peace process on Syria.

Notably, Araghchi’s Damascus visit comes as Syria’s army launched counterattacks to repel insurgents who’ve seized control of Aleppo, and areas in Idlib.

On December 1, the Syrian army conducted a series of counterattacks in the cities of Aleppo and Idlib to push back insurgents who’ve made surprise advances. Syrian state television claimed government forces had killed nearly 1,000 insurgents over the past three days, without providing evidence or details.

The Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, a group that operates in opposition held areas say Assad’s army launched joint counter-operations with Russian forces in the two cities. Fighter jets reportedly pounded the area, killing at least 18 people and wounding dozens more. Russia, who’ve long-backed Syria’s Assad in the 13-year war, have not publicly commented on their involvement.  

Iran has also been a key political and military ally of Assad in the long-running civil war. Foreign Minister Araghchi's visit to Damascus was meant to reiterate Tehran’s support for Assad. Iran, Russia, and regional proxies they back helped Assad take control of the city of about two million people back in 2016. A relentless air campaign, led by Russian warplanes, paved the way for Assad’s forces to march in and claim the city.

On November 27, a coalition of rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) conducted a surprise assault on Syria’s largest city, Aleppo. The attack forced the Syrian armed forces to temporarily retreat, as they awaited reinforcements to strike back.  

On November 30, the insurgents took over most of Aleppo in a surprise offensive and have now claimed to have entered the city of Hama. There was no independent confirmation of their claim. 

Rebel commander Col. Hassan Abdulghani said separately the insurgents also took control of Sheikh Najjar, northeast of the city, Aleppo’s military academy and the field artillery college to the southwest. 

By Khagan Isayev