Iran vows full support to Syria in counterterrorism efforts

Iran is prepared to offer Syria all the necessary assistance in its fight against terrorism, said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a phone conversation with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

In a message released by the office of the Syrian president, Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran's commitment to opposing any attempts to destabilize Syria and undermine its unity, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"Iran fully rejects all efforts to destabilize Syria and its stability," the statement read.

The Iranian president emphasized his country's readiness to provide Syria with all forms of support in eliminating terrorists and thwarting the plans of their backers and supporters.

Pezeshkian also criticized the ambitions of the United States and Israel, describing them as "aimed against the countries and peoples of the region." He further stated that the ongoing situation in Syria is one of the manifestations of these broader geopolitical goals.

In parallel, at least 25 people were killed in airstrikes by Syrian government forces and Russia in northwestern Syria, according to the White Helmets, a rescue service operated by the Syrian opposition.

The attacks targeted the rebel-held city of Idlib on December 1, with Russian and Syrian jets striking the area as President Bashar al-Assad vowed to defeat insurgents who had recently advanced into Aleppo. The Syrian army also reported reclaiming several towns from rebels in recent days.

The airstrikes, which hit residential areas in Idlib, resulted in at least seven deaths and dozens of injuries. Ten children were among those killed, with the total death toll since November 27 reaching 56, including 20 children. The White Helmets condemned the attacks, claiming they targeted civilians, while Syrian and Russian forces maintain they are only targeting insurgent positions.

The insurgents, a mix of Türkiye-backed secular groups and the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have recently gained control of all of Idlib province, marking a significant shift in the war. They also seized parts of Aleppo, prompting a redeployment of Syrian forces. 

Assad has vowed to crush the insurgents, while international powers, including the US and EU, called for de-escalation and the protection of civilians.

By Aghakazim Guliyev