Qalibaf: Iran consistently urged President Assad to address the demands of the Syrian populace
During a meeting with university students in Tehran on Sunday, Qalibaf addressed the situation following the capture of the Syrian capital by militant factions led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in a swift offensive.
In a candid statement, it was revealed that the late General Qasem Soleimani had advised Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to be mindful of his populace. Soleimani emphasized that, beyond the threat posed by Daesh, certain factions of the opposition comprised armed protest groups. These groups, whose grievances were acknowledged during discussions at the Astana peace talks, warranted attention, he stressed.
Qalibaf emphasized that Iran has solely engaged in operations against Daesh terrorists, refraining from confrontation with other groups.
He underscored Iran’s respect for the Syrian people’s choices and stated that Iran’s policies will align with the government established in Syria.
A senior Iranian parliamentarian stated that Iran is prepared to work towards unifying Muslim nations, provided that the new Syrian government refrains from aligning with the ideology of Daesh terrorists and avoids contact with the Israeli regime.
On Sunday, HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani announced that Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali would oversee Syrian state institutions until a power transition occurs.
The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has announced its intention to collaborate with the Prime Minister, urging Syrian military forces stationed in Damascus to refrain from approaching public institutions.
During a cabinet session on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged rival factions in Syria to engage in dialogue to achieve a consensus on the nation’s political leadership. This call to action follows recent developments where militant groups have seized control of the capital, Damascus.
Pezeshkian emphasized that the responsibility of determining Syria’s future and its political framework rests with the Syrian populace.
