Iranian Foreign Minister Confronts Turkey Over Support for Syrian Rebels

During a tense visit to Ankara, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Turkey of enabling Syrian rebels targeting Aleppo. He failed to present diplomatic proposals, focusing on grievances instead. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan countered these accusations, stressing Turkey’s non-involvement and calling for genuine political engagement from the Syrian regime. The discussions highlight ongoing tensions and differing diplomatic stances regarding Syria’s future.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Ankara was marked by heightened tensions as he accused Turkey of facilitating a Syrian rebel campaign aimed at taking Aleppo. Following a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, where he reaffirmed Tehran’s unwavering support for Damascus, Araghchi’s trip was anticipated to deliver a diplomatic overture to alleviate the escalating conflict. Contrary to expectations, he focused on voicing Iran’s frustrations regarding Turkey’s alleged betrayal.

In response, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan countered Araghchi’s claims, asserting that Turkey had not provided support to the Syrian rebels and criticized both Iran and Assad for their lack of meaningful engagement in peace negotiations. Fidan emphasized that external actors should not blame others for the Syrian regime’s failures and reiterated Turkey’s intention to foster dialogue between Damascus and opposition factions.

Despite the tensions, Araghchi suggested convening a meeting involving the foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, and Russia to address the crisis. Ankara continues to advocate that a peaceful resolution through diplomacy is the only viable solution, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirming the need for the Syrian regime to embark on a genuine political reform process.

The article outlines a tense diplomatic encounter between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Turkish officials, highlighting the complexities of the Syrian conflict. The importance of Turkey’s role in Syria and its relations with both Iran and Assad’s regime is underscored. It reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly concerning how external powers influence ongoing conflicts and the push for a diplomatic resolution.

In conclusion, Araghchi’s visit to Turkey underscored the escalating tensions between Iran and Turkey regarding the Syrian conflict, with both nations exchanging accusations about their respective roles. The call for a trilateral meeting points to a continued effort to address the crisis diplomatically, but substantial disagreements on the handling of the Syrian issue remain. Turkey’s position emphasizes the necessity of genuine political processes within Syria, while Iran maintains its commitment to supporting the Assad regime.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net