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Iran to continue unwavering support for Syria: President Pezeshkian to Assad

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Pezeshkian Assad

“We believe that Syria will once again overcome Zionist plots against its security and stability, and we stand by the Syrian government and people in this path”, President Pezeshkian told President Assad during a phone call on Monday.

The two held the conversation as Syria is fighting terrorist groups that have begun resurging in the north of the country in recent days.

The Iranian president said that his country is closely monitoring the situation in Syria, and announced Tehran’s readiness to offer any help to the Damascus government to resolve the ongoing crisis.

Preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is a regional strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran that will continue to support the Arab country, Pezeshkian stressed.

He also referred to his talks with regional leaders as well as diplomatic efforts by his foreign minister to rally support for the fight against terrorism, expressing assurance that Iran, with the cooperation of Islamic countries, will foil attempts by the Zionist regime to disrupt unity among Muslims and spread terrorism and insecurity in the region.

President Assad, on his part, thanked Iran for its support to Syria, saying that the support is not limited to the current time.

“During the difficult years of war in our country, when all had left us alone, it was the Islamic Republic of Iran that stood by our side”, he stated, adding that Iran today is also taking the same path of support for Syria.

Elaborating on the behind-the-scene resurgence of terrorists in northern Syria, Assad said that the latest terrorist activities are a new phase of a war which is underway under American-Zionist plots against Syrian independence and security.

“Their main goal is to disintegrate Syria and create a new country in the north”, he continued.

The Syrian president also said regional countries should realize that the Axis of Resistance is confronting the West’s hostility and dominance on our region, warning that if this axis or the countries that support it is harmed, other countries will be affected by the repercussions as well.

“By taking such actions, the US and the Zionist regime are seeking to redraw maps and borders in our region in favor of the goals and interests of the Zionists”, the Syrian president noted.

He added that his country sees no option but to win in this war, expressing assurance that victory will be achieved through support of regional countries including Iran.

Trump warns ‘hell to pay’ if Israeli hostages in Gaza not freed

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Donald Trump

The statement on Monday was Trump’s most forceful on the deadlocked efforts to bring an end to the war since the November 5 US elections and comes amid reports that he is pushing for a ceasefire to be reached before his second term begins.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump decried “all talk, and no action” about the captives in apparent derision of US President Joe Biden and his administration’s inability to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in more than a year of war.

“Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity,” he said.

“Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!” he wrote.

The post offered no details on what the threat would entail or if it could involve the deployment of the US military. It also did not specify which parties it was referring to but notably referenced only captives held by Hamas without mentioning Palestinian civilians who have borne the brunt of Israeli operations in Gaza.

Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the leaders of Hamas have been accused of scuttling talks aimed at ending the fighting for months.

Hamas has repeatedly offered to release captives held in Gaza in return for an end to the war, but the Israeli government is adamant that the war will continue until Hamas is totally defeated.

At least one Israeli official was quick to praise Trump’s post on Monday.

“Thank you and bless you Mr. President-elect @realDonaldTrump,” President Isaac Herzog wrote on X, adding, “We all pray for the moment we see our sisters and brothers back home!”

Despite its ambiguity, the promise of escalation represents a departure for Trump as the Middle East policy of his second term continues to take shape.

The former president had campaigned on the broad notion that he would bring about peace in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, but has offered scant details on how that would be achieved. His “America First” platform has long eschewed further involvement of US forces, assets or funding in conflicts abroad.

At the same time, Trump has voiced support for Israel to “finish the job” in the Palestinian enclave and has long been Netanyahu’s preferred leader in the US.

During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump was a strong backer of the US ally.

He moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the illegally occupied eastern half of which has long been seen as the capital of a future Palestinian state. He recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights in Syria. He forged a series of normalisation agreements between Israel and Arab countries, and he allowed for the rapid expansion of Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law.

This time around, Trump has packed his administration nominations with staunchly pro-Israel officials, including his secretary of state pick Senator Marco Rubio, a rabid defender of Israel’s war, and ambassador to Israel pick Mike Huckabee, a vocal supporter of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank who refuses to use its commonly used name, instead referring to “Judea and Samaria”.

Biden also promised to re-up efforts to reach a long elusive deal to end the fighting in Gaza, where at least 44,466 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its war following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas that killed at least 1,200 people in Israel with 250 taken captive.

Israeli authorities have said 101 captives remain in Gaza. On Monday, Hamas announced a total of 33 captives had been killed since the beginning of the war.

President Pezeshkian questions feasibility of hijab law enforcement, urges dialogue to avoid conflicts

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Masoud Pezeshkian

In his second interview with the IRIB state television on Monday night, President Pezeshkian highlighted the ambiguities and practical difficulties in executing the controversial law, emphasizing the need for dialogue to ensure societal cohesion and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

As a case in point, he questioned the feasibility of penalizing individuals like ride-hailing drivers and restaurant owners for their passengers’ or customers’ attire, warning that such measures could lead to widespread dissatisfaction.

President Pezeshkian also touched on the issue of internet filtering, revealing that discussions with experts have led to a consensus on lifting certain restrictions.

He criticized the current approach of extensive filtering, advocating for a more balanced governance.

On international relations, President Pezeshkian mentioned ongoing dialogues with European countries, despite recent sanctions.

He saud Israel is instigating conflicts to hinder Iran’s diplomatic efforts, particularly following the assassination of resistance movements’ leaders in Lebanon and Gaza.

Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to combating terrorism in the region, stressing the importance of unity among neighboring countries to prevent further bloodshed.

He said Iran will do all in its power to restore calm to Syria and counter foreign-backed terrorists that are active in the Arab country.

Iran, Russia presidents pledge support for Syria amid resurgence of terrorism

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Pezeshkian Putin

Pezeshkian and Putin discussed the latest developments in Syria on the phone on Monday.

“While the establishment of a ceasefire in Lebanon had created a glimmer of hope for peace in the region, the activities of terrorist groups in northern Syria, with the support of the Zionist regime, have once again put the region on high alert”, President Pezeshkian said.

“We believe that the recent events are part of a dangerous plan by the United States and the Zionist regime to disrupt the geopolitical landscape of the region in favor of the Zionists”, he added, stressing that the plan however will not move forward in light of unity and cooperation among regional countries.

Pezeshkian also praised Russia’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the region and supporting the territorial integrity of Syria, telling Putin that he is aware of his extensive efforts and actions to control the situation in the region and assist in resolving the crisis in Syria.

“I express the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran for any cooperation with Russia in this regard”, the Iranian president stated.

Putin, for his part, stated that Russia fully agrees with Iran’s assessment regarding the resurgence of terrorism in northern Syria, adding that the continuation of this situation is detrimental to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, posing a threat to regional security as well.

“We believe that the decision-makers shaping the current events in northern Syria are not the terrorists but their supporters. In such circumstances, Russia is determined to engage and cooperate with Iran to assist the legitimate and official government of Syria in combating terrorist groups”, the president continued.

The Russian president also stressed the need for using all available diplomatic channels to control the situation and prevent the spread of terrorism in the region, saying “In this regard, besides consulting with the United Nations Security Council, we have proposed holding an emergency meeting within the Astana format this week to discuss the developments in Syria.”

Iran and Russia have been the main backers of Syria since the outbreak of foreign-sponsored militancy in March 2011.

In 2017, Syrian forces, backed by Iran and Russia, scored a monumental victory over the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group. However, the country’s northern parts remained under control of militants and foreign occupation forces.

In late November, terror outfits, led by the Hay’at Tahrir al-Shams (HTS), launched their largest attack in Syria in years, taking control of parts of Aleppo, and advancing southward on the city of Hama.

Hamas confirms dozens of captives killed in Gaza

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Israel Hostages

The group issued a video statement on Monday saying the captives were killed “because of the stubbornness of the war criminal” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “his ongoing aggression”.

Hamas made the announcement as key mediators, including Egypt, Qatar and the United States, launch another effort to reach a ceasefire that would see the release of Israeli captives.

The push comes after a recent truce in Lebanon raised hope for a diplomatic breakthrough.

Hamas’s video lists and dates the incidents in which the group said captives were killed. Most of them were air strikes. However, some were rescue attempts by the Israeli military gone wrong.

According to the Hamas, the first incident was an Israeli air strike that killed four captives on October 9, 2023. The latest was the killing of a captive during the Israeli military operation in northern Gaza last month.

“By continuing your mad war, you may lose your captives forever. Do what needs to be done before it’s too late,” the video concluded.

Meanwhile, delegations from the Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas met in Cairo to “reach a mutual understanding” on the Palestinian Authority’s management of the Gaza Strip after the end of Israel’s war, Egypt’s foreign minister announced on Monday.

“There are indeed two delegations from the Fatah and Hamas movements in Cairo consulting and deliberating to quickly reach a mutual understanding regarding the management of daily affairs in the Gaza Strip under the full control of the Palestinian Authority,” Badr Abdelatty told a news conference in Cairo.

Netanyahu previously voiced opposition to allowing the Palestinian Authority (PA) to take over Gaza. However, the US says it wants a “reformed” PA to be in charge of the Palestinian enclave.

As the talks continued, Israel has pressed on with the bombardment of Gaza.

Israel’s offensive in Gaza – which United Nations experts have described as a genocide – has killed at least 44,466 Palestinians and wounded 105,358 since October 7, 2023.

At least 1,200 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day, and 250 were taken captive.

Iran slams PGCC final statement as non-constructive 

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Esmael baghaei

Baqaei expressed regret over the repetition of statements that contradict international law and the principle of good neighborliness.

He reaffirmed Iran’s principled and unchangeable policy on the three Iranian islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, saying they are inseparable and eternal parts of Iran’s territory.

He added that Tehran treats any claim to these islands by others as violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Baqaei stated it’s obvious that repeating baseless and interventionist claims will not change historical or geographical facts.

He stressed, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the comments made in the statement regarding residential construction, the travel of state and military officials to islands belonging to Iran, and the holding of military exercises within Iran’s territorial borders as interference in its sovereign affairs, and it condemns those statements.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman underscored that Iran’s missile capacity is framed within its defense doctrine and is aimed at safeguarding national security and maintaining peace and stability in the region in line with international norms and law.

He pointed out that the real threat to regional security and stability is posed by the military presence of extra-regional actors, their military bases, and the Israeli regime, which is considered the root cause of all insecurity and a threat to Islamic countries and this is proved by Tel Aviv’s occupation, aggression, and genocide against an Islamic nation.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also said the Islamic will continue its constructive cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA.

Baqaei further reiterated Iran’s determination to continue the policy and principle of good neighborliness.

Presence of terror groups in Syria to affect neighbors’ security: Iran FM

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Araghchi and Fidan

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara on Monday, Araqchi expressed concern over the reactivation of Takfiri terrorist groups in Northern Syria and their attacks on various regions, including Aleppo.

He stated that destabilizing Syria could lead to civil war, civilian casualties, economic damage, and broader regional instability, directly affecting neighboring states.

Araqchi highlighted an agreement with Turkish officials on the need to prevent Syria from becoming a safe haven for extremist Takfiri groups again.

He also pointed out there are close ties between these terrorist groups and the US and Israel, adding they use such groups to divert attention from Israeli crimes in Palestine and Lebanon while compensating for the Zionists’ defeats in the face of the resistance forces.

The foreign minister called on Syria’s neighboring countries to take immediate and effective measures to preserve the country’s political and security stability.

He reiterated that Iran, as in the past, remains committed to supporting the Syrian government, military, and people.

Additionally, Araqchi highlighted shared views between Iran and Turkey on various regional and international issues, including the necessity of a sustainable ceasefire in Lebanon, halting Israeli crimes in Gaza, and sending humanitarian aid to those areas.

Iran president, Qatar emir discuss ways to settle Syria’s crisis

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Pezeshkian Qatari Emir

In a phone call with Sheikh Tamim on Monday, Pezeshkian said, “We seek a secure region that preserves the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Islamic countries, allowing all nations in the region to live in peace and tranquility.”

The Iranian president made the comments amid the resurgence of terrorist groups in northern Syria.

He noted that the spread of insecurity and terrorism benefits no country, stressing that all regional nations should cooperate to confront this “evil phenomenon” and protest the regional security before any foreign intervention.

The Iranian president also appreciated Qatar’s pivotal role as a mediator in regional crises, especially concerning Gaza, stating, “We hope your determination to create peace in the region will continue, and together we can enhance unity and cohesion among Islamic countries while improving peace and security in the region.”

The president also denounced the role of the Zionist regime in spreading insecurity and terrorism in the Islamic world, saying Israel does not want Muslim nations to be in peace and tranquility, which makes it “necessary and important” for the Islamic Ummah to avoid disputes and get united.

He further referred to the very good relations between Iran and Qatar and called for speeding up the implementation of the agreements reached during his recent visit to Doha.

The emir of Qatar, for his part, emphasized that Tehran and Doha share common stances on regional issues, especially on Gaza and Lebanon as well as the necessity of preserving Syria’s territorial integrity.

Stressing the need for the cooperation and consultations between Iran and Qatar to help resolve regional issues, he added, “We believe what is happening in Syria shows that stability and security cannot be achieved there without dialogue and a political solution. In this regard, we are fully prepared to play a role in establishing peace in Syria through a political agreement.”

The Qatari emir also stressed the high level of bilateral relations between Iran and Qatar, and expressed satisfaction with the agreements reached during President Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Doha.

He stated that the agreements are promising a bright future for relations between the two sides.

Zelensky confirms Ukraine too weak to retake territory

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Russia Ukraine War

In an interview with Kyodo News on Monday, the Ukrainian leader signaled that Kiev wants to end the conflict as soon as possible and retake Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions after the prospects of joining NATO become clear.

He acknowledged, however, that this will not be easy, stating, “Our army lacks the strength to do that… We do have to find diplomatic solutions.”

At the same time, diplomacy will have a chance “only when we know that we are strong enough” and Russia is prevented from launching new offensives, Zelensky added.

The Ukrainian leader went on to say that US President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in in January, is well aware of the details of his ‘victory plan’, adding that this initiative will put Ukraine in a “strong position” for negotiations. The plan, which was unveiled by Zelensky in October, demands an immediate invitation to join NATO, unrestricted Western military support, and placing conventional deterrence measures in Ukraine to keep Russia at bay. Moscow has rejected the plan as a “set of incoherent slogans” and a recipe for escalation.

The Trump team, the Ukrainian leader claimed, is “studying the plan and we are going to hear from them… But there will be no capitulation from the side of Ukraine”.

While Zelensky has ruled out “bargaining” over territory, he signaled last week that Kiev could be ready for a ceasefire with Moscow if Ukraine is allowed in its current form to join NATO. He added, however, that this deal has never been on the table.

Russia has signaled that it is ready for talks over Ukraine, but insists that any settlement must take into account the territorial realities on the ground. Moscow has also ruled out the option of freezing the conflict, stressing that all of the goals of its military operation – including Ukrainian neutrality, denazification, and demilitarization – must be achieved.

Foreign ministry spokesman says Iran’s nuclear program to remain peaceful

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Esmail Baghaei

Asked about recent comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi about the possibility of a change in Iran’s nuclear doctrine, Baqaei told reporters at a press conference in Tehran on Monday, “Iran’s nuclear policy is unchanged and Iran’s nuclear program will remain peaceful”.

The spokesman said what the foreign minister expressed in a recent interview with The Guardian was “a warning against the unconstructive approaches of a number of Western countries.”

He explained that the Western policies have resulted in the formation of a discourse among the public that maybe Iran has not taken the correct course regarding the nuclear issue.

Baqaei added Araqchi was pointing to the creation of such a dialogue among the experts, saying the minister has emphasized that Iran will maintain its peaceful nuclear program on the basis of a religious fatwa and considering the assessments of national security.

The spokesman also lashed out at the US for playing a destructive role and making attempts to disrupt the process of interaction between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

On the recent developments in West Asia, the spokesperson warned that insecurity in Syria won’t remain confined to the Arab country as terrorism will plague the other areas if it is not fought.

Baqaei pointed to the negotiations that Araqchi has been holding during visits to Damascus and Ankara, saying, “We all have come to the conclusion that any sort of insecurity in Syria won’t be limited to Syria alone.”

“We are all aware of the fact that terrorism would not be concentrated in a single place and spreads to other areas,” he warned.

Describing Turkey as an influential actor in the region, Baqaei stated the Syrian foreign minister has made it clear that Turkey has nothing to do with the eruption of the crisis in Syria.

“Our Turkish friends are as much concerned as we are about the course of developments in Syria,” the spokesman added.

He said Turkey is a major neighbor of Iran and Syria that has played a “key role” in the Astana peace process. Baqaei also hailed Turkey for playing a “fruitful and constructive role” in de-escalation of tensions in Syria.

The Iranian spokesman described the Astana format as the “most durable and successful mechanism” for controlling the crisis in Syria, saying the three guarantor states (Iran, Turkey and Russia) have pushed to contain the tensions.

“The Astana process is still alive and the international community is mindful of its influence. We are still committed to that process and believe that the other effective countries hold the same view as well,” he added.

Baqaei further denounced the unlawful presence of the US forces in Syria as an act of violation, saying, “It is clear that one of the reasons for the sedimentation of terrorism in Syria has been the occupation (of Syria) by the American military forces.”

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