Syria Will Not Abandon Iran – Analyst
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian political analyst Ghassan Youssef expressed on Thursday that Syria is unlikely to distance itself from Iran under the current circumstances, particularly with U.S. and Turkish forces still active on Syrian soil.
In a statement to North Press, Youssef remarked that Syria would not request Iran to scale down its presence while Turkish and American troops remain in the country. He emphasized Syria’s longstanding loyalty to allies, specifically referencing Iran as a nation that has consistently supported Syria through challenging times.
Youssef further commented that recent diplomatic exchanges between Syria and Iran underscore the strength of their alliance, especially in light of the volatile situation in Syria and regional tensions in Palestine and Lebanon.
According to Youssef, these diplomatic visits are partly in response to the recent U.S. presidential election and continued Turkish threats to advance into northern Syria.
There has been an increase in high-level visits from Iranian officials to Syria, a trend that aligns with escalating Israeli military actions against Iranian interests in the region.
Despite some reports suggesting that Damascus may be seeking to reduce Iran’s influence within its borders, Youssef argued that any such shift would require a parallel reduction of Turkish and American forces and a decrease in Israeli strikes on Syrian territory.
During a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh, Iranian President Massoud Bezhkishan announced his intention to visit Syria soon.
Youssef speculated that this visit aims to foster further economic, military, and cultural cooperation, reflecting a mutual commitment by Syria and Iran to strengthen their alliance in the face of mounting pressures.