Iranian UN Envoy Welcomes Overdue Lifting of Syria Sanctions as Positive Development

Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, addressed the UN Security Council session in New York on Wednesday during discussions focused on the ongoing situation in Syria within the broader Middle East context.

He praised the increasing international consensus that humanitarian and reconstruction assistance in Syria should remain free from political influence, emphasizing that the plight of the war-torn nation’s people should not be exploited for political ends.

He stated a call for the complete and unconditional removal of all unilateral sanctions, describing them as illegal measures in violation of the UN Charter and international law.

He underscored that any relaxation of sanctions must result in tangible and immediate improvements in the lives of over 16 million Syrians presently requiring urgent assistance.

Iravani emphasized the necessity of facilitating the return of refugees and assisting in the reconstruction of Syria’s economy and infrastructure, ultimately laying the groundwork for enduring peace and stability.

On Tuesday, Trump announced plans to lift all U.S. sanctions on Syria following reports that the new administration in the Arab nation has suggested a willingness to establish peace with Israel, regarded as the United States’ closest ally in the region.

“It is now Syria’s opportunity to excel as sanctions are lifted. ‘We are removing them all,’ stated Trump. ‘Good luck, Syria. Present something extraordinary,’ he added.”

The European Union has reached a decision to remove economic sanctions imposed on Syria, aiming to facilitate the recovery of the nation devastated by years of conflict.

In the wake of a decision reached by EU foreign ministers on Tuesday, the European Union’s lead diplomat, Kaja Kallas, took to platform X to express, “We aim to assist the Syrian population in reconstructing a new, inclusive, and peaceful Syria.”

In the previous month, the United Kingdom revealed a decision to partially suspend sanctions imposed on Syria.

The Iranian envoy emphasized Syria’s sovereign right and duty to ensure peace and security within its borders, highlighting the “fragile” security situation exacerbated by the continued presence of foreign military forces and illegal occupations, particularly in the northeast and southern regions.

He stated that Israel’s ongoing occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights constitutes a clear violation of international law and contradicts United Nations Security Council resolution 497, passed in 1981.

Emphasizing the necessity of forcefully denouncing Israel’s ongoing assaults, he highlighted the May 2 airstrike in the vicinity of the presidential palace as a significant concern.

On May 2, Israeli warplanes executed airstrikes near the presidential palace in Damascus, the capital of Syria. The attacks occurred against a backdrop of silence from the ruling administration led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Since the collapse of Bashar Assad’s government in December, Syria has experienced a barrage of Israeli airstrikes. These strikes have predominantly targeted military infrastructure previously under the control of the former Syrian army.

He stated that these actions jeopardize regional peace and are facilitated by support from the United States.

The diplomat reiterated Iran’s steadfast position, emphasizing the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while urging the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all unauthorized foreign forces.

Iravani stated that the sole beneficiary of the division and unrest in Syria appears to be the Israeli occupying regime.

“Its ongoing aggressive actions, frequent breaches of international law, and sustained expansion of occupation appear to be strategically designed to maintain a state of perpetual instability within the country.”

Iravani underscored the imperative of combating all manifestations of terrorism within Syria, with particular attention to the danger posed by “foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs).”

A statement has been made expressing Iran’s significant concern over reports suggesting that foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) are being transferred from Syria to other conflict zones. The move is perceived as potentially escalating regional instability and posing substantial risks to neighboring nations.

He called on the Security Council to stay vigilant and take decisive and robust action.

The move toward PKK disarmament marks a pivotal advancement in the commitment to renouncing violence.

The Iranian ambassador highlighted that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) decision to disarm represents a notable progression towards renouncing violence and bolstering regional stability.

He conveyed optimism that additional affiliated militant and terrorist organizations, such as PJAK, will take similar actions in an effort to foster enduring peace and stability in the region.

In a major breakthrough, the PKK declared in May its decision to disband and officially abandon its decades-long insurgency against Turkey, effectively ending more than 40 years of violent turmoil.

A media outlet affiliated with the organization reported that the decision will conclude one of the region’s most enduring insurgencies.

In other parts of his speech, Iravani highlighted the hardships faced by the Syrian population due to foreign occupation, terrorism, and economic constraints.

According to the statement, the emphasis remains firmly on the principle that the future of Syria should be determined solely by its own citizens, free from external meddling or imposed solutions. It was underscored that any political process must be driven and controlled by Syria itself, in accordance with the guidelines set out by Security Council resolution 2254.

Iran has expressed its unequivocal support for UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and his initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive process that respects Syria’s sovereignty, free from external influence.

In this context, Iran has expressed support for the dialogue between Syria’s interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), considering it a significant move toward national integration, as stated by the diplomat.

Iran has emphasized the importance of fostering inclusive engagement and dialogue to ensure equal rights for the entirety of the Syrian population, according to statements made.