Iran Suspends Flights to Syria Until Late January Amid Political Turmoil

Iran has suspended flights to Syria until late January following the political upheaval after President Bashar al-Assad’s dislodgment. The head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization confirmed that entry permits from Syria are necessary for flights to resume. Iran has also issued warnings to its citizens against traveling to Syria amid ongoing instability caused by the HTS takeover.

Iranian flights to Syria are currently suspended and will not resume until late January, according to local media reports. The head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, Hossein Pourfarzaneh, stated that for flights to operate, the destination country must issue entry and admission permits. He indicated that flights will be barred until at least January 22, following the New Year holidays. This suspension is a direct consequence of the recent political upheaval in Syria, particularly after the displacement of President Bashar al-Assad by rebel factions.

The turbulence began when forces from the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) quickly captured Damascus, prompting President Assad to flee the capital. Following this takeover, there has been a significant exodus of Iranians from Syria, especially after the HTS vandalized the Iranian embassy in Damascus. New leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed disapproval of the Iranian influence in Syria, which has raised concerns in Tehran about its strategic interests in the region.

Amid these developments, Iran’s foreign ministry noted that there is currently “no direct contact” with the new ruling authorities in Syria. Moreover, they have cautioned Iranian citizens against traveling to Syria in light of the ongoing political instability.

The situation remains fluid, and the implications of this suspension are yet to unfold as both nations navigate this new reality post-Assad. The absence of air travel reflects Iran’s precarious standing following years of supporting the Assad regime during Syria’s protracted civil conflict.

The recent changes underscore the complexities of international relations in the Middle East and the influence of terrorist groups on state affairs.

The suspension of flights from Iran to Syria occurs against a backdrop of significant political turmoil in Syria. For over a decade, Iran has been a staunch ally of President Bashar al-Assad, providing military, logistical, and political support throughout the civil war. However, with the recent changes in Syria’s political landscape, particularly the fall of President Assad, the dynamics between Iran and Syria have shifted. The rise of groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has challenged Iran’s influence in the region, leading to increased caution on the part of the Iranian government with respect to travel and diplomatic engagement with Syria.

In summary, the suspension of Iranian flights to Syria until late January reflects not only the immediate impact of political changes in Syria following the removal of President Assad but also highlights the complexities of Iran’s ongoing relationship with its formerly allied state. The developments indicate a precarious moment for Iranian interests in a country that has been a critical theater for its regional ambitions, as it navigates a new political landscape marked by rising tension and uncertainty.

Original Source: jordantimes.com