Arab League Condemns Iran’s Remarks on Syria, Calls for Stability
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Arab League on Thursday strongly denounced Iran’s recent statements regarding Syria, accusing Tehran of attempting to ignite discord among Syrians. The comments come amid heightened tensions in the region and ongoing challenges to Syria’s sovereignty and stability.
The controversy began earlier this week when Mohsen Rezaee, a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, stated that “the resistant Syrian youth and people will not remain silent in the face of foreign occupation, aggression, and internal autocracy by certain factions.”
On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remarked, “Those who believe they have achieved victories in Syria should hold off on their judgment, as many developments are yet to unfold.”
These comments have drawn sharp criticism from the Arab League, which expressed concern over the potential repercussions of such remarks. In an official statement, the League warned against actions that could exacerbate tensions and instability in Syria.
Arab League’s Stance
The Arab League’s response, issued from its headquarters in Cairo, emphasized its commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. It reiterated the conclusions of the Aqaba Declaration by the Arab Ministerial Contact Group on Syria, calling for:
Supporting the Syrian people during this critical phase.
Upholding Syria’s sovereignty and stability by limiting arms to the state.
Addressing external interventions that threaten the region’s stability.
“The League is closely monitoring the situation in various Syrian cities and regions, and we are committed to preventing any attempts to spark discord,” the statement said.
Regional Implications
The Arab League’s condemnation underscores broader regional concerns about Iran’s influence in Syria. Many Arab states view Tehran’s statements and actions as efforts to assert control and foster divisions in a country already ravaged by over a decade of conflict.
“The statements by Iranian officials are provocative and undermine Syria’s recovery and reintegration into the Arab and international fold,” said a senior Arab diplomat who requested anonymity.
Iran has been a key ally of the Syrian government during the civil war, providing military and economic support. However, its involvement has also been a source of tension with other regional actors, including the Arab League and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Call for Collective Action
In its statement, the Arab League called on all stakeholders to respect Syria’s sovereignty and work toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict. It urged foreign powers to cease any actions that could destabilize the region further and stressed the importance of empowering the Syrian state to regain control over all territories.
“The goal is for Syria to emerge stronger and reclaim its active role in the Arab, regional, and international arenas,” the statement concluded.
Escalating Regional Dynamics
Observers note that Iran’s comments come at a critical juncture for Syria, as the country navigates its re-entry into the Arab League and broader regional politics after years of isolation. The Arab League reinstated Syria’s membership in May 2024, a significant diplomatic shift aimed at fostering dialogue and rebuilding the war-torn nation.
Despite this progress, Iran’s rhetoric threatens to derail efforts to stabilize Syria. Regional analysts warn that Tehran’s statements could fuel sectarian tensions and complicate ongoing reconciliation efforts.
The Road Ahead
As the situation develops, the international community will closely watch the interplay between regional actors and Syria’s path toward recovery. The Arab League’s firm stance signals a unified regional desire to prioritize Syria’s sovereignty and stability over external interference.
For now, calls for respecting Syria’s independence and addressing its internal challenges remain central to regional and international diplomatic efforts.