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Pres. Pezeshkian: Syrians must decide their country’s fate

Masoud Pezeshkian

Stressing the importance of unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in Syria, Masoud Pezeshkian called for dialogue among diverse segments of Syrian society to reach mutual understanding and end the ongoing conflict.

The President expressed hope for a swift cessation of violence so that the Syrian people can decide their fate in a peaceful environment, free from external interference or fear. “The decisions about Syria’s future must reflect the dignity and aspirations of its people,” Pezeshkian remarked.

Highlighting the need to protect the security of all Syrians and residents, as well as safeguarding sacred sites and diplomatic missions in accordance with international law, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s commitment to consulting with relevant parties and the United Nations to stabilize the region.

Condemning aggressive actions by terrorist regimes targeting Syrian territory, he urged vigilance against exploitation by the Zionist regime to advance unlawful and expansionist goals at the expense of regional nations.

Iran, he affirmed, remains resolute in supporting dialogue and peace for Syria’s stability and prosperity.

Syria’s Assad is in Russia with family: Kremlin sources

Bashar Assad

“Assad, along with members of his family, has arrived in Moscow. Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds,” a source told TASS.

The swift capture of the Syrian capital marks the culmination of a large-scale offensive launched by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Led by a former Al-Qaeda commander and previously known as Jabhat al-Nusra, the group initiated a surprise offensive from the opposition-held province of Idlib in northern Syria last week.

Militants had previously driven the Syrian Army from the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs, border before advancing into Damascus.

 

UAE official stresses need for dialogue with Iran amid Syria’s uncertainty

Anwar Qarash

Speaking at the “Manama Dialogue” security seminar, Gargash emphasized the importance of preventing non-state actors from exploiting the political vacuum in Syria. “Defense and military matters must remain under the control of legitimate governments, not armed groups,” he stated.

Gargash expressed concern over the chaos in Syria, describing it as a reflection of political failure and the destructive nature of ongoing conflicts.
He identified extremism and terrorism as the primary threats in the country.

When asked about deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s location, Gargash responded, “I don’t know if he is in the UAE.”

He also underlined the need for a credible government in Syria to safeguard its territorial integrity, which he said is currently under threat. “We must wait and see what happens next in Syria,” Gargash remarked.

In a surprising turn of events, the Syrian army announced the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government early Sunday, following reports of armed groups seizing Damascus and Assad’s departure from the country.

Iran confirms Damascus embassy staff safe, condemns raid on diplomatic mission

Esmail Baghaei

Baqaei condemned the attack on the Iranian embassy building in Damascus and told reporters that protecting the security and safety of diplomatic and consular premises is a fundamental principle of international law and relations, and it must be observed in any situation.

He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran has warned influential parties involved in the developments in Syria about this issue and has called for preventing the recurrence of such attacks.

Foreign-backed militants, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have ransacked the Iranian embassy in Damascus after the government of President Bashar al-Assad fell early Sunday.

Videos circulated online Sunday showed the militants tearing down the poster that depicted martyred Iranian anti-terror commander General Qassem Soleimani and Hezbollah chief Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, at the diplomatic mission’s exterior.

They also broke the windows of the embassy and looted its offices.

Only Syrians responsible for determining future without foreign meddling: Iran

Syria War

The ministry on Sunday emphasized Iran’s principled stance on respecting Syria’s unity, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

It called for the immediate cessation of military conflicts, prevention of terrorist activities, and the initiation of national dialogue involving all segments of Syrian society to establish an inclusive governance structure that represents all Syrians.

The statement also points out that the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to support international mechanisms, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 2254, in pursuing the political process in Syria, and to that end will maintain constructive engagement with the United Nations.

It also underlined the necessity to ensure the security of all Syrian citizens and foreign nationals, preserving the sanctity of religious sites, and safeguarding diplomatic and consular facilities in accordance with international legal principles.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized Syria’s role as an important and influential country in West Asia, pointing out that it will spare no effort to help establish security and stability in Syria and will continue consultations with all influential parties.

Russia says Assad left Syria, gave orders for peaceful power handover

Bashar Assad

In a statement issued on Telegram on Sunday afternoon, officials clarified that Moscow was not involved in the talks but acknowledged Assad’s decision to transfer power “peacefully”.

“Russian military bases in Syria are on high alert. At present, there is no serious threat to their security,” the statement read.

The Foreign Ministry added Moscow remains in contact with all Syrian opposition factions and is taking measures to ensure the safety of Russian citizens in the region.

”We urge all sides to refrain from violence and resolve issues of political governance through dialogue,” the statement said.

It also stressed the need to respect the views of “all ethnic and religious groups within Syrian society.”

Russia reaffirmed its support for an “inclusive political process” based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict through free elections and a new constitution.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other anti-government militias took control of Damascus on Sunday. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali has expressed his willingness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people, adding that he remains at home in Damascus.

The HTS offensive began last week from the opposition-held Idlib province and was led by a former Al-Qaeda commander.

US says to remain in eastern Syria despite regime change

US Forces in Syria

Speaking hours after Syrian rebels announced they had toppled Bashar al-Assad’s government, Shapiro called on all parties to protect civilians, particularly minorities, and to respect international norms.

“We are aware that the chaotic and dynamic circumstances on the ground in Syria could give IS space to find the ability to become active, to plan external operations, and we’re determined to work with those partners to continue to degrade their capabilities,” he told the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain’s capital.

“(We’re determined) to ensure (Islamic State’s) enduring defeat, to ensure the secure detention of IS fighters and the repatriation of displaced persons,” Shapiro added.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other anti-government militias took control of Damascus on Sunday. They have declared the city “free” from Assad’s government and claimed that he has fled the capital.

The HTS offensive began last week from the opposition-held Idlib province and was led by a former Al-Qaeda commander.

Western governments, which have shunned the Assad-led state for years, must decide how to deal with a new administration in which HTS looks set to have influence. HTS is a globally designated terrorist group.

Leader of HTS militant group says ex-Syrian PM to supervise state bodies until transition

Syria War

Rebels on Sunday announced they had “liberated” the capital, Damascus, in a lightning offensive. They added al-Assad had fled the city. His whereabouts are unknown, according to Al Jazeera.

In a statement, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) head Abu Mohammed al-Julani said al-Jalali, appointed prime minister by al-Assad in September, will remain at the helm until the transition.

Signed in his real name, Ahmed al-Sharaa, al-Julani’s statement banned military forces in Damascus from approaching public bodies and prohibited the firing of guns in the air.

For his part, al-Jalali noted his government is ready to hand over power to any leadership chosen by the people.

“I am not leaving and I don’t intend to leave. I expect in a peaceful manner to guarantee the continuity of the public authorities and the institutions and the state apparatus and to guarantee the safety and security for all citizens,” he said in a video statement.

“And we are extending our hands even to the opposition, who extended their hands and gave assurances they will not cause any harm to any citizens who belong to this Syria of ours,” he added.

In an interview with Al Arabiya, al-Jalali said he had been in contact with the HTS leader to discuss managing the current transitional period, and said Syria should hold free elections.

He also said he did not know where al-Assad and his defence minister were, adding that he had lost communication with the president on Saturday night.

Iranian staff evacuate Syrian embassy: Spokesperson

Syria War

Baqaei stated on Sunday that Iranian diplomats at Tehran’s embassy in Damascus had evacuated the premises prior to an attack by militants early that morning.

He confirmed that all Iranian staff are safe and left the embassy before the attackers arrived.

Foreign-backed militants, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have ransacked the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus after the government of President Bashar al-Assad fell early Sunday.

Videos circulated online Sunday showed the militants tearing down the poster that depicted martyred Iranian anti-terror commander General Qassem Soleimani and Hezbollah chief Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, at the diplomatic mission’s exterior.

They also broke the windows of the embassy and looted its offices.

Trump claims Ukraine would like to make a peace agreement with Russia

Russia Ukraine War

Trump’s remarks came after reports emerged of a regime change in Syria, Russia’s ally in the Middle East, where rebels claimed to have taken over the Syrian capital Damascus and toppled President Bashar Assad’s 24-year rule. Trump speculated that this happened because Assad’s “protector”, Russia, “was not interested in protecting him any longer”.

“[Russia] lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine, where close to 600,000 Russian soldiers lay wounded or dead, in a war that should never have started, and could go on forever, Trump stated, claiming that Russia is currently “in a weakened state… because of Ukraine and a bad economy”.

“Likewise, Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. They have ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians. There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin,” the President-elect said, adding that if the conflict is not resolved, “it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse”.

Trump made the statements after three-way talks with Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Saturday. In a post on X, Zelensky described the talks as “good and productive” and focused on the fact that “we all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way”.

Zelensky previously insisted that the only viable path to what he calls a “just peace” with Russia is his ten-point ‘peace formula’, which includes the “complete withdrawal” of Russian forces from former Ukrainian territories and the restoration of the country’s 1991 borders. However, he has changed tack over the past few weeks, signaling he could agree to a ceasefire without the territories if Kiev became a NATO member.

Moscow has maintained that any settlement must begin with Ukraine withdrawing its forces from Russian territory, including the former Ukrainian regions, ensuring the rights of Russian-speakers and becoming a neutral state.

Trump has repeatedly promised that he would end the Ukraine conflict within “24 hours” of taking office, but has never explained how. Recent media reports claimed that he could push for a freeze in fighting along the current line of contact and force both sides to sit down for talks using US aid to Kiev as leverage.