Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Turkey expressing frustration over its support for Syrian rebels attacking Aleppo. He reaffirmed Iran’s backing of Assad and suggested possible troop deployments if requested. Turkish officials denied such allegations and criticized both Iran and Assad for failing to engage in meaningful peace talks. Despite tensions, a meeting involving Turkey, Iran, and Russia is anticipated soon to address the situation.
In a charged meeting in Ankara on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed Iran’s frustrations regarding Turkey’s perceived support for rebels targeting Aleppo. This visit followed Araghchi’s discussions with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, where Iran reaffirmed its commitment to backing Syria amid escalating hostilities. Contrary to expectations for a diplomatic overture, Araghchi accused Turkey of betrayal, insisting that Iran would continue to support Assad without conditions and suggested Iran might deploy troops if requested by Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan countered these assertions, emphasizing Turkey’s neutrality and criticizing both Assad and Iran for sidestepping genuine peace negotiations. Despite the tensions, Araghchi proposed a meeting with Turkey and Russia’s foreign ministers, although he did not introduce new resolutions. This conflict underlines the complexities of regional dynamics as Turkey seeks diplomatic resolution while Iran pledges continued military support for Assad’s regime.
The current situation stems from the ongoing Syrian civil war, where various factions, including Syrian rebels and regime forces, have clashed for control over strategic locations like Aleppo. Turkey’s involvement has been contentious, with Iran accusing it of facilitating opposition forces against the Assad regime. Conversely, Turkey maintains that the internal strife originates from Assad’s oppressive policies, contributing to humanitarian crises and widespread displacement. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have included various international actors, particularly Russia, which aligns closely with Iran in support of Assad. The recent remarks from both Iranian and Turkish officials highlight the challenges of finding common ground amidst escalating tensions in the region.
In conclusion, the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Turkey underscores the strained relations between Iran and Turkey regarding the Syrian conflict. With Iran adamant about its support for Assad and accusing Turkey of facilitating rebel offensives, while Turkey defends its position and calls for genuine negotiations, the path to diplomatic resolution remains fraught with challenges. The impending summit involving Turkey, Iran, and Russia could serve as a pivotal moment, although it remains to be seen whether any substantial agreements will emerge from such discussions.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
