The Arab League urged Iran on Thursday to refrain from inciting unrest in Syria, following the downfall of Tehran-backed President Bashar al-Assad, which marked the end of decades-long rule by his family.
Assad’s regime collapsed on December 8 after a coalition of fighters swept through key cities, ultimately seizing Damascus. Assad fled to Russia, his other major ally, as his grip on power crumbled.
The Arab League, which had restored Syria’s membership last year after a decade of isolation, emphasized the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty, maintaining its territorial integrity, disarming non-state actors, and rejecting destabilizing foreign interventions.
Iran, having lost a key ally in Assad, is also grappling with a weakened Hezbollah, its Lebanese proxy, following a protracted conflict with Israel.
Syria’s new leadership has begun operations against remnants of Assad’s loyalists, including gunmen linked to his former regime. The Arab League expressed concern over the clashes, warning against efforts to reignite conflict in Syria.
In a statement, the bloc criticized Iranian rhetoric as an attempt to sow division among Syrians but did not specify the remarks in question.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently predicted the rise of a “strong, honorable group” in Syria, calling its youth resilient in the face of loss. Tehran’s foreign ministry dismissed allegations of meddling as baseless, reaffirming its support for Syria’s unity and a politically inclusive system.
Syria’s new government, however, has rebuked Iran for its role in past conflicts. The new foreign minister warned Iran against spreading chaos and held Tehran accountable for its recent statements, emphasizing the need for respect toward Syria’s sovereignty and the will of its people.
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