Iran stresses protection of minority groups in Syria

Iran has stressed the necessity of protecting the rights of minority groups in Syria under the country’s new rulers.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made these remarks during a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

The two top diplomats discussed bilateral relations as well as the latest developments in crisis-hit Syria.

The Iranian foreign minister said that supporting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remains his country’s principled policy.

Araghchi  called for end the ongoing conflicts among various warring groups in Syria.

He highlighted the need for an inclusive Syrian government that would include all ethnic, political and religious groups.

He also voiced concern over the measures taken by certain armed groups against civilians in Syria, which are inhabited by Shias and Alawites.

On December 8, 2024, the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group along with other militants took control of Damascus and forced former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to leave the country.

After Assad’s downfall, Israel has wiped out Syrian naval vessels, sea-to-sea missiles, helicopters, and planes. Tel Aviv also wiped out the entire fleet of MiG-29 fighter jets, and stockpiles of ammunition in attacks on at least five air bases.