Khamenei Adviser Warns of Imminent Civil War in Syria, Critiques Turkey’s Claims

Ali Akbar Velayati, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned of a civil war in Syria and condemned Turkiye’s exaggerated claims. He stressed Tehran’s commitment to respond to Ankara’s actions. The tensions between Iran and Turkey stem from their conflicting roles in Syria, with both countries accusing each other of inciting unrest.

On Wednesday, Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, cautioned that Syria faces the imminent risk of civil war, condemning what he termed as Turkiye’s “exaggerations” regarding the situation. He stated, “A civil war could break out in Syria at any moment… It is impossible to predict Syria’s future at this time,” highlighting signs of fragmentation in the nation based on Iran’s evaluations.

Velayati urged Turkish officials to respect diplomatic norms, asserting that Tehran “will not remain silent” against Ankara’s supposed exaggerations. This warning underscores the ongoing tensions that have persisted in Turkish-Iranian relations since the fall of the previous Syrian regime. Tehran has regularly criticized Turkey for its support of opposition groups that played a key role in undermining President Bashar al-Assad.

On another front, Turkish authorities have expressed concern over Iran’s potential role in stirring unrest among certain factions, particularly in regions where Alawite populations are concentrated. With diplomatic tensions escalating, the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s chargé d’affaires on Tuesday, a day after Tehran had called upon Turkish Ambassador Hicabi Kırlangıç, illustrating the deteriorating diplomatic rapport between the two nations.

In summary, Iran’s adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, has raised alarms about the likelihood of civil war in Syria, criticizing Turkey’s handling of the situation. The strained relations between Iran and Turkey, characterized by mutual accusations and diplomatic summons, point towards ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. Continued monitoring and dialogue are essential to address and potentially mitigate these rising conflicts.

Original Source: shafaq.com