Sayyed Nasrallah: Hezbollah Surely Crosses Israeli Red Lines, Assassination of General Zahedi Triggered Biden to Restrain Netanyahu (Videos)

April 8, 2024

Lebanon – Live News – News – S. Nasrallah Speeches – Top – Videos

Mohammad Salami

Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah stressed on Monday that the Israeli folly of striking the Iranian consulate in Damascus and assassinating the top military advisor General Mohammad Reda Zahedi and his martyred companions pushed the US President Joe Biden to impose certain limits on Netanyahu’s adventure in Gaza.

Addressing Hezbollah ceremony held at Sayyed Al-Shuhada Complex in Beirut’s Dahiyeh to honor the martyred Iranian general  along with a number of his companions, Sayyed Nasrallah recalled the US rejection of the expansion of the war zone since October 7.

Sayyed Nasrallah maintained that the Supreme Leader Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei took the decision of the military response upon the serious essence of the Israeli attack.

First, the attack targeted the Iranian consulate which is considered an Iranian territory, according to the international diplomatic norms, Sayyed Nasrallah, adding that the Zionist aggression claimed Iran’s top military advisor in Syria.

Sayyed Nasrallah cited Zionist analysts as describing the airstrike on the consulate as a major folly, adding that the Israeli officials may have fallen in the miscalculation that Iran would not respond.

US, ‘Israel’ and the whole world have yielded to the fact that Iran has the right to respond to the Zionist crime and will respond, Hezbollah Chief said.

In this regard, Sayyed Nasrallah explained the nature of the Iranian military role in Syria, confirming that only advisors are deployed in order to carry out certain missions and denying the deployment of troops.

His eminence added that the IRGC military advisors in Syria have been always targeted by the Israeli air raids aimed at expelling them and eradicating their role in that country.

Upon the defeat of the terrorist groups in Syria, the Israeli air raids started targeting IRGC cadres and advisors; however, they (Iranian military advisors) have insisted on keeping in Syria in order to support the resistance in Lebanon and Palestine and the Syrian army in its battle against the takfiri organizations, according to Sayyed Nasrallah.

Sayyed Nasrallah noted that all the diplomatic missions in the world include military attaches and advisors, yet that the Israeli enemy tried to promote the false claim of striking Iranian troops in Syria.

Sayyed Nasrallah clarified that the IRGC role in Lebanon and Syria started upon the Israeli invasion in 1982.

“Despite the global war waged by Saddam Hussein regime on Iran, Imam Khomeini dispatched Iranian forces to Lebanon and Syria to confront the Zionist invasion.”

One of the Gulf states provided Saddam Hussein with 200 billion dollars to fund his war on Iran, Sayyed Nasrallah said, adding that, had such an amount of money been granted to the serious resistance groups, ‘Israel’ would not be in existence nowadays.

As the Zionist invasion stopped, most of the Iranian forces returned home, yet IRGC cadres remained in Lebanon to train the resistance fighters, Sayyed Nasrallah said, adding that IRGC sacrificed martyrs in Zionist airstrikes on training camps in Bekaa and Syria.

The need of the popular resistance to face the the Zionist enemy made the IRGC cadres train the fighters, provide consultations, grant the logistical support, and convey the expertise to all the resistance groups, according to Sayyed Nasrallah who confirmed that the IRGC advisors were not tasked with fighting the Israeli enemy in the battlefields.

Even upon the eruption of the crisis in Syria, Iran sent military advisors, not troops, Sayyed Nasrallah said, adding that only resistance groups in the region decided to support Syria in face of the terrorist groups.

‘Israel’ participated in the war in Syria through supporting the terrorist groups by all means, according to Sayyed Nasrallah who recalled the Zionist financial, medical, and military support to takfiri groups.

Sayyed Nasrallah also denied the false claims that Iran controls the government in Syria, stressing that the IRGC advisors have just supported Syria against the terrorist groups.

Martyr Zahedi

In his twenties, Hajj Zahedi was one of the warriors against Saddam Hussein’s war and gained a great military expertise, which enabled him to be promoted to high ranks, according to Sayyed Nasrallah.

Hajj Zahedi became the commander of the IRGC airforce before turning to be the commander of the IRGC ground troops, Sayyed Nasrallah said, adding that the martyr was then promoted to be the commander of all IRGC operations.

Sayyed Nasrallah indicated that Hajj Zahedi started his jihadi journey when General Qassem Suleimani appointed him as the IRGC commander in Lebanon and Syria in 1998 for four years.

Hajj Zahedi followed up the liberation in 2000 and the period of preparing the military capabilities to face any Zionist aggression on Lebanon, Sayyed Nasrallah said.

“We expected that the Zionists will take the revenge and wage a war on Lebanon.”

After the martyrdom of Hezbollah military commander Hajj Imad Mughniyeh in 2008, Hajj Zahedi was appointed to be the IRGC commander in Lebanon and Syria for six years, Sayyed Nasrallah said.

After the martyrdom of Hajj Qassem Suleimani in 2020, Hajj Zahedi was appointed again as the IRGC commander in Lebanon and Syria till he was assassinated, Sayyed Nasrallah added.

Sayyed Nasrallah underlined the modesty, baldness, loyalty, and bravery of Hajj Zahedi, noting that he used to attend the scene amid all conditions.

Sayyed Nasrallah narrated how Hajj Zahedi was committed to the path of martyrdom, adding that the martyr wanted to join the resistance fighters in their border battle against the Israeli enemy since October 7.

Hezbollah Chief said that Hajj Zahedi abandoned all ranks in Iran and came to the jihadi field in Lebanon in order to embrace martyrdom.

Israeli War on Gaza

Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah cited Israeli interpretations of the outcomes of the Zionist war on Gaza, stressing they highlight the enemy’s area in this regard.

Sayyed Nasrallah pointed out that the Israeli interpretations mention the various failures of the Zionist enemy after six months of the war, including the prisoners issue, missile fire from the Strip, Rafah operation, deaths, evacuation of settlements, diplomatic collapse, economic complication, political and social woes.

Sayyed Nasrallah also cited a survey conducted by Maariv which indicated that 62% of the respondents are not satisfied with the outcomes of the war.

Out of context, Netanyhau claims that he is one step away from the victory, Sayyed Nasrallah said, adding that the Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant alleged that his troops defeated Hamas just hours before the Zionist withdrawal from Khan Younis.

“Gallant is also detached from the realities.”

Sayyed Nasrallah said that the IOF managed only to commit a genocide and cause a massive destruction and failed to reach any target.

Sayyed Nasrallah maintained that, amid this military failure and the Iranian consulate folly in Syria, Biden held a phone call with Netanyhau to warn him against the continuation of the war on Gaza.

According to the White House statements and the US media, Biden asked Netanyahu to take certain measures pertaining to the killing of the relief workers, Sayyed Nasrallah said.

Just hours later, the IOF Chief of Staff sacked two officers and rebuked three others, Sayyed Nasrallah said, adding that even the aid corridors issue was decided during the phone calls, according to the US reports.

Hezbollah Chief emphasized that the US administration’s conduct proves that it can force the Israelis to stop the war whenever they decide, highlighting the major role of Biden in the ceasefire talks.

Sayyed Nasrallah considered that the Israeli military withdrawal from South Gaza was surprising, adding that the Israelis wanted to avoid making concessions in the ceasefire talks since the withdrawal is one of the basic terms of Hamas in the negotiations.

Hermes-900

Hezbollah leader stressed that, when the Islamic Resistance downed Hermses-450 drone, the enemy bombed Bekaa, adding that the Resistance responded by firing missiles at Golan.

Bekaa-Golan formula has been maintained since then, Sayyed Nasrallah maintained.

Sayyed Nasrallah indicated that the Islamic Resistance will certainly cross the Israeli red lines amid the Zionist violations, adding that the enemy would understand the deployment of the Resistance defenses on the Southern Front as it wants.

Lebanese Forces and Kataeb

On the anniversary of the civil war in Lebanon, Sayyed Nasrallah asked the Lebanese Forces and Kataeb about the war’s decision making at that time.

Sayyed Nasrallah indicated that such political always question the resistance about the war decision making and its costs, while they involved Lebanon in a costly civil war.

Sayyed Nasrallah also commented on the kidnap incident in Jbeil city, adding that Lebanese Forces and Kataeb’s reaction is a scandal.

Sayyed Nasrallah maintained that grudge, foolishness and connections with foreign schemes have been behind those parties’ anti-Hezbollah accusations.

Sayyed Nasrallah hailed the role of the Lebanese army and security forces in uncovering the culprits in the crime, which frustrates the scheme of accusing Hezbollah of being behind the kidnap crime and stirring sedition.

Sayyed Nasrallah, finally, warned against the threats sent to some of Jbeil locals after the kidnap incident, asserting that this is a very serious issue.

Source: Al-Manar English Website

Related Videos

Speech by His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah at the celebration honoring Commander Zahedi and his fellow martyrs | 8-4-2024

Between the consulate raid and the Iranian response: the region where to go

On the edge of the abyss

Related Articles

• Deadly Israeli Aggression Continues in Gaza: Day 185
• Hezbollah Continues Striking IOF Sites near Lebanon Borders
• Explosive Device Detonated with Israeli Tank in West Bank Camp
• Iraq’s Islamic Resistance Targets Three Israeli Bases
• Hezbollah Launches Aerial Attack on Israeli Occupation Soldiers, Vehicles
• Yemeni Missiles Hit Israeli Ships in Indian Ocean
• Day 184: ‘Israel’ Withdraws Most Troops from Southern Gaza
• 2 Israeli Settlers Injured in Shooting Attack in North of Occupied West Bank, Palestinian Resistance Hails Op. (Video)
• Sayyed Nasrallah Speaks Today in Honor of IRGC Martyrs
• Sayyed Nasrallah: Iran Retaliation Inevitable, ‘Israel’ Knows Well What Lebanon War Means (Video)
• Hamas Official Says Gaza Talks Stalling
• International Al-Quds Day 2024: Hope to Pray at Al-Aqsa is Greater than Ever (Video)
• ‘Israel’ on Alert over Iran Retaliation, IOF Intel Chief Warns of “Complex Days”

Imam Khamenei Vows ‘Israel’ Will Regret Damascus Assassination, Gallant Hints at Strike

April 2, 2024

Supreme Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei (photo from archive).

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei vowed that the Israeli regime will regret attacking Iran’s consulate building in Damascus.

“We will make them regret committing this crime,” the Leader stressed in a message on Tuesday.

His eminence prayed to God to bestow divine forgiveness and blessings to the IRGC military advisors who were martyred in the Israeli strike.

“The evil regime of Israel will be punished by the hands of our brave men,” the Leader stated.

We will make the Zionists regret this crime of attacking the Iranian consulate in Syria and other crimes like this, by God's power and strength.

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) April 2, 2024

Imam Khamenei lauded General Zahedi, saying he “had been awaiting martyrdom since the 1360s AH [1980s] when fighting in dangerous battlefields.”

“The martyrs haven’t lost anything and have received their reward,” the Leader said, noting that “the grief of losing them weighs heavily on the Iranian nation, especially those who knew them.”
For his part, President Ebrahim Raisi pledged that Monday’s fatal strike will not go unanswered.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Raisi said the usurping Zionist regime has brazenly violated international law by committing the terrorist crime of attacking the diplomatic building of Iran in Damascus.

Condemning the “inhumane assault in brazen violation of the international regulations”, the Iranian president said the Israeli regime has resorted to blind assassination attacks after successive defeats and failures in the face of the Axis of Resistance.

On the other hand, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at the strike, saying that the Zionist entity goal is to “act everywhere, every day to prevent the force build-up of our enemies.”

Israeli DM Yoav Gallant during a Knesset meeting (April 2, 2024).

“We are in a multi-front war, in the offense and defense. We see evidence of this every day, including in recent days,” he said at a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, as quoted by Israeli media.

Source: Iranian and Israeli media

Hezbollah Denounces ‘Idiotic’ Israeli Attack on Iran Consulate: Won’t Go Unpunished

Hezbollah Statements – Lebanon – News – Top

Hezbollah condemned as “idiotic” the Israeli attack that killed top Iranian generals in the Islamic Republic’s consulate in Syria’s Damascus, stressing that the assassination won’t go unpunished.

In a statement, Hezbollah Media Relations mourned seven IRGC generals and military advisers who were martyred in the Israeli strike on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

“As we mourn the dear brother (top IRGC general) Mohammad Reza Zahedi and his companions, we do believe that their virtuous blood will make this front more determined to confront this bloodthirsty enemy which has killed so far tens of thousands of Gaza’s children and women,” the statement, carried by Al-Manar read.

“This crime indicates that the enemy is still on its idiotic path which says the that assassination of leaders would stop the roaring tide of the peoples’ resistance. Certainly, this crime will not pass without the enemy receiving punishment and revenge.”

General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, top IRGC general who was martyred on Monday (April 1, 2024).

“On the 21st day of the holy month of Ramadan, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.), the day when the virtuous blood is sacrificed in defense of righteousness, oppressed people and the lofty divine principles… On this day General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and General Mohammad Hadi Hajirahimi, as well as the dear brothers Hossein Amanollahi, Mahdi Jalalati, Mohsen Sedaqat, Ali Aqababaee, and Ali Salehi Ruzbehani joined the convoy of martyrdom as a result of the Israeli crime which targeted the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus.”

Hezbollah laud martyr Zahedi as one of the first supporters who sacrificed theirselves and contributed for long years to developing the performance of the resistance in Lebanon.

The Lebanese resistance group offered deepest condolences to Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei and the IRGC leadership, particularly the Quds Force command on martyrdom of the Iranian generals.

Source: Al-Manar English Website

Related Videos

President Assad: The Zionist entity was built on killing, bloodshed, displacement and plunder

Widespread Arab and international condemnation of the Israeli aggression that targeted the Iranian consulate in Damascus

LIVE INTERVIEW: Prof Marandi on Israel’s Bombing of Iranian Embassy, Resistance, and More

Evening | The aggression against the Iranian consulate in Damascus… Backgrounds, goals and calculations?

Russia discusses in the Security Council the bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus.. This is what it said – Al-Sharq News

Related Videos

• Israeli Occupation Troops Kill Anyone Entering ‘Extermination Area’ in Gaza: Haaretz
• Imam Khamenei Vows ‘Israel’ Will Regret Damascus Assassination, Gallant Hints at Strike
• Hezbollah Missiles, Drones Pound Israeli Border Sites in Support of Gaza
• Day 177: Israeli Occupation Targets Gaza Journalists as Talks Resume in Cairo
• Hezbollah Strikes Israeli Occupation Sites near Lebanon Border
• Gaza: Death Toll Reaches 32,916 as Israeli Aggression Continues
• Axios: US Denies Involvement in Israeli Attack on Iranian Consulate
• Hezbollah Continues Striking Israeli Occupation Sites near Lebanon Border
• Gaza Horrified as IOF Leaves Trail of Destruction at Al-Shifa Hospital More..
• 12:27Iraq’s Islamic Resistance Strikes Vital Israeli Target in Retaliation for Palestinian Massacres

Israel Assassinates IRGC Commander in Syria, Russian Consent!

APRIL 1, 2024

ARABI SOURI

US-sponsored Israel assassinated the commander of the IRGC – Al Quds Forces in a bombing that targeted an Iranian diplomatic building in the Syrian capital Damascus, the Israeli bombing led to the destruction of the building which also houses Syrian civilian business offices.

The Israeli bombing in the late afternoon follows a heinous Israeli war crime bombing of the Syrian Scientific Research Center in Jamraya in Damascus countryside the day earlier, and a widespread coordinated Israel and Al Qaeda aerial bombing of Aleppo two days ago.

A Syrian military spokesperson said in a statement conveyed by the Syrian news agency SANA:

“At approximately 5 pm today, the Israeli enemy launched an air aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting the Iranian consulate building in Damascus. Our air defense forces intercepted the aggression’s missiles and shot down some of them.

The aggression led to the destruction of the entire building and the martyrdom and injury of everyone inside. Work is underway to recover the bodies of the martyrs, treat the wounded, and remove the rubble.”

The video is also available on Rumble, BitChute, and YouTube.

Local sources reported that ‘the commander of the Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria in the IRGC, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, was martyred in the Israeli aggression against Damascus.’

Yesterday Sunday 31st of March evening, at approximately 9:30 pm, the US-sponsored Israel bombed the Scientific Research Center in Jamraya in the western Damascus countryside. To make it understandable to our US readers, this is akin to bombing the Berkeley scientific centers of the University of California, the destruction of which is paid for by the US taxpayers with US-made bombs and fighter jets, facilitated by US spying satellites and capabilities, and protected diplomatically by the ‘democratically’-elected US officials.

it’s a war crime to bomb a diplomatic facility disregarding who is in it at the time of the bombing, diplomatic facilities across the world are protected by international law and the relevant Geneva Convention, Israel bombing the Iranian diplomatic facility gives Iran the right to retaliate in kind anywhere in the world bombing Israeli diplomatic facilities.

It’s a war crime to bomb scientific research centers, Israel’s repeated bombing of Syrian research centers including Syrian research centers for medical and other civilian purposes has given Syria the absolute right to bomb all of Israel’s research centers including those used for medical and civilian purposes at any given time and these Israeli war crimes do not have a statute of limitation.

If Western citizens do not approve of the war crimes sanctioned by their ‘elected’ officials and committed by their armies, their allies, and their proxy terrorist groups, they should immediately hold their ‘elected’ officials accountable before crying when retribution commences. There is absolutely no power that ever existed on the planet throughout the history of mankind that shields the people of evil countries from retribution, and it always comes when they are at their weakest stages.

When prioritizing the destruction of other countries over the welfare and well-being of their own, the US taxpayers need to keep in mind that Karma serves its plates cold and when they are in dire situations, and it never fails.

The people of the countries invaded by the US military to protect its Israel project hold the USA directly responsible for all the war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocides committed by Israel.

The Russian role in Israel’s war crimes continues to puzzle the Syrian people, despite the overall support for the Russian people and their fight against neo-Nazism by the vast majority of the Syrians.

The Syrian people cannot help but wonder why Russia insists on supporting Israel directly and indirectly, Russia withheld the deliveries of weaponry including at the time modern Geneva Convention air defense systems to Syria in the year 2010 upon instructions from Israel’s current PM Netanyahu to the Russian President Putin paving the way for the US-led war of terror and later the US-led bombing campaigns of Syria, and Russia has an active military agreement with both Israel and the US to coordinate their aerial movements in Syria’s skies!

Russia, whose top officials including President Putin and his Foreign Minister Lavrov never failed to express their commitment to Isreal’s security at a time when Russia’s only proven real ally throughout its modern history, Syria, is being bombed by Israel, the top Russian officials never fail to remind the Syrian leadership that their help in Syria is limited to combating terrorism.

Israel’s bombing of Syria and the assassination of Iranian officials in Syria will not go unanswered, even if the current Israel genocide of Gaza stops and even if there is a peace treaty signed across the region, very highly unlikely, but even then, there’s a price that will be paid by Israel and its sponsors for the war crimes they have committed and continue to commit on behalf of the Anti-Christ.

---

Syria News is a collaborative effort by two authors only, we end up most of the months paying from our pockets to maintain the site’s presence online, if you like our work and want us to remain online you can help by chipping in a couple of Euros/ Dollars or any other currency so we can meet our site’s costs.You can also donate with Cryptocurrencies through our donate page.

Thank you in advance.

‘Tehran Will Surely Respond’ – Israel Escalates by ‘Flattening’ Iranian Consulate in Damascus

April 1, 2024

Brigadier General Mohammed Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon, was assassinated in Damascus. (Photo: via social media)

Once again Israel attacked Iranian targets in Syria, in an effort, according to experts, aimed at expanding its war beyond Gaza. 

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was killed in the Israeli airstrike on Damascus on Monday, Iranian sources said.

The latest attack destroyed a building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, killing at least seven people, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). 

Iranian media identified the building as the Iranian consulate and the ambassador’s residence. 

SYRIAN NEWS AGENCY: An Israeli aggression targeted and destroyed the Iranian consulate building in the Mezzeh neighborhood in Damascus.

FOLLOW OUR LIVE BLOG:https://t.co/xqbl0tkRje pic.twitter.com/hZMZepUNY1

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) April 1, 2024

For its part, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency identified Zahedi, a senior commander in the IRGC’s Quds Force, as being among the dead. 

His deputy was reportedly killed as well.

According to a Reuters correspondent in Damascus, the consulate was “flattened,” in what was described as “a startling apparent escalation of conflict in the Middle East that would pit Israel against Iran and its allies.”

The attack on the consulate is “a breach of all international conventions,” Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in a call to his Syrian counterpart, according to Iranian media. He added that Tehran will hold Israel responsible. 

Iran’s ambassador to Syria said the response will be “harsh,” according to Reuters.

The Quds Force is the IRGC’s military intelligence and unconventional operations arm. Zahedi was reportedly in charge of its operations in Syria and Lebanon. Its most famous commander, General Qassem Soleimani, was assassinated in January 2020 by a US drone, while visiting Baghdad, Iraq. 

Another Quds Force commander, General Razi Mousavi, was killed in Damascus last December, also by an Israeli airstrike. 

“Israel is desperate,” Dr. Ramzy Baroud, a political analyst and the Editor of the Palestine Chronicle said. “It is sinking deeper in Gaza, in a war that turned into a genocide against a civlian population, but failed to achieve any military or strategic goals”. 

‘Israel is Stuck’ – Former Israeli Minister Slams Govt’s Handling of Gaza War

By Palestine Chronicle Staff   “We are stuck in every direction. We are stuck in Gaza. We are stuck on the Lebanese border. We are stuck with the hostages, and we are stuck in the … Continue reading‘Israel is Stuck’ – Former Israeli Minister Slams Govt’s Handling of Gaza War

Palestine Chronicle

Baroud added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “feeling increasingly trapped. He is still hoping to expand the war so that it would eventually rope in the Biden Administration.” 

“Though a regional war would be destructive, it could, per Netanyahu’s calculations, lessen the burden placed on him in fighting an unwinnable war in Gaza,” he added. 

“Iran will surely respond, but the response is unlikely to come directly from Tehran, though it will be felt in Tel Aviv.” 

(PC, RT)

Latest Posts

• Cracks in US-Israel Relations? – Palestine Chronicle Editor Speaks to ‘The Listening Post’
• ‘Al-Jazeera Law’ – Israeli Parliament Passes Law Granting Netanyahu Authority to Ban Foreign Media
• Vision of ‘Total Victory’ – How Rafah Became Netanyahu’s Last Fig Leaf
• Unveiling Horrors – Testimonies of Israeli Atrocities in Al-Shifa Medical Complex
• Involving the Shin Bet – Resistance Thwarts PA Intelligence Operation in Gaza
• ‘Israelis Don’t Want to Fly to South Africa’ – Final El Al Flight Takes Off from Johannesburg 
• Israeli Military Created ‘Kill Zones’ in Gaza With Orders to ‘Shoot to Kill’ – Report
• ‘Law to Override Court Ruling’ – Netanyahu Sets Sights on New Law to Conscript Ultra-Orthodox Jews 
• Israel is Breaking International Law in Gaza – UK Government Silent on Legal Advice

IRGC mourns 7 advisors martyred in Israeli aggression on Damascus

April 1, 2024

Source: Agencies

Emergency and security personnel gather at the site of strikes which hit a building next to the Iranian embassy in Syria’s capital Damascus, on April 1, 2024. (Photo by Maher AL MOUNES / AFP)

By Al Mayadeen English

The IRGC stresses that the Israeli occupation failed against the strong will of the fighters of the Resistance front in the region.

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) condemned on Monday evening the Israeli aggression that targeted the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus, pointing out that the crime came after “Israel’s” irreversible defeats and the resilience of the people of the Gaza Strip.

The IRGC stressed that the Israeli occupation failed against the strong will of the fighters of the Resistance front in the region.

The IRGC mourned the commander of the Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria, General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, and Brigadier General Mohammad-Hadi Haji-Rahimi, as well as IRGC officers Hossein Amanollahi, Seyyed Mehdi Jalalati, Mohsen Sadaghat, Ali Agha Babaei, and Seyyed Ali Salehi Rouzbahani.

Footage shows the destruction as a result of the Israeli airstrike that targeted the #Iranian consulate in #Damascus, Syria. pic.twitter.com/YVPCPJ1cu8

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) April 1, 2024

The statement conveyed condolences to Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei for the martyrdom of the senior Iranian military advisors, who were veterans of the Islamic Revolution.

In a related context, Iranians took to the streets to express their rejection of the latest aggression on Damascus.

Thousands staged a protest in Palestine Square in Tehran condemning the aggression, demanding an “immediate response to this heinous crime” and expressing support for the Palestinian people.

"هناك مطالبة شعبية إيرانية عالية جداً بضرورة الانتقام لهذا الاغتيال الإجرامي"

مراسل #الميادين سياوش فلاح بور#إيران #سوريا #فلسطين pic.twitter.com/OUVcOJZpNg

— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) April 1, 2024

Earlier, Iran’s Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari reiterated that Tehran will continue to stand by Resistance movements and nations that tread this path.

Speaking to Al Mayadeen, Akbari said that “Israel” “is committing acts that contravene humanity” and its attack reflects the “reality of the Zionist entity that does not respect any international norms and laws,” confirming that Iran will not be intimidated by the occupation entity’s violations.

Concluding his statement, the Iranian diplomat warned that the Israeli crimes “must be stopped,” or else, “many [parties] will be affected in this [new] equation.”

Related News

• Palestinian factions condemn Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate
• Iran, Syria condemn Israeli aggression on consulate, assassination

Shortly following the attack, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad headed a delegation and visited the Iranian embassy to check on the staff’s safety following the Israeli aggression.

Al-Miqdad: We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack that led to the martyrdom of a number of innocent people

From the embassy, he held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to offer his country’s condolences, unwavering support, and commitment to mutual ties.

During the call, Amir-Abdollahian held “Israel” responsible for the consequences of its crimes and stressed that the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus is “a breach of all international conventions.”

Amir-Abdollahian also expressed gratitude to Mekdad for promptly showing solidarity with his Iranian “brothers” in the embassy in Damascus. “This act sends a powerful message of support, reaffirming that Syria and Iran stand united against Israeli barbarism, which has exceeded all limits.”

On his part, Mekdad expressed to Al Mayadeen strong condemnation of the “heinous terrorist” Israeli attack, emphasizing Syria’s longstanding position that the “Zionist entity is a symbol of terrorism in the world” and that the “massacres it committed in Gaza” are an indication of its criminal nature.

He also highlighted the strong relations between Syria and Iran.

“We, at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, affirm once again that Israel cannot affect the relationship between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Mekdad told our correspondent in Syria, pointing out that the attack on Iranian diplomatic facility is prohibited under international law, which is binding to all United Nations members signatories.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani strongly condemned the Israeli attack, deeming it a gross violation of international regulations, especially the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

He stressed that the Israeli aggression should be condemned in the strongest terms by the international community and the United Nations, underlining that necessary action should be taken against the aggressor.

The attack is being investigated, and the responsibility for its consequences lies with the aggressor Zionist regime, Kanaani affirmed.

Stressing Tehran’s right to respond to the aggression, Kanaani said, “Tehran will decide on the type of response and punishment against the aggressor.”

Read more: Palestinian factions condemn Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate

Related Videos

The Israeli aggression targeted the Iranian consulate building in Damascus. Special coverage | 4/1/2024 | Ruba Al-Hajli

The Israeli aggression targeted the Iranian consulate building in Damascus.. Details with the news envoy Haider Mustafa

Evening | The aggression against the Iranian consulate in Damascus… Backgrounds, goals and calculations? | 2024-04-1

Related Stories

• Exclusive: US-Israeli attacks on Syria kill 6 troops, IRGC advisor
• ‘Israel’ kills IRGC advisor in strike on south Damascus, Syria
• Exclusive: IRGC not pulling advisors from Syria after Israeli strikes
• Who is IRGC commander martyr Mohammad Reza Zahedi?
• ‘Tehran Will Surely Respond’ – Israel Escalates by ‘Flattening’ Iranian Consulate in Damascus
• Hezbollah’s artillery units bombard Israeli sites, forces
• Biden admin set to approve $18bln F-15 jets sale to ‘Israel’
• Al-Qassam fighters hit Israeli force, rescue team in Khan Younis
• ‘Israel’ killed over 400 in Al-Shifa, Resistance vows steadfastness
• New US, UK aggression targets Yemen’s Hodeidah
• Palestinian factions condemn Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate
• Pakistan asserts right to import Iranian gas despite US objections
• How Erdogan plans to adjust after election bruising
• Senior IRGC chief killed in Israeli strike on Iranian consulate, Syria

---

War on Gaza

Dozens Martyred and Injured as IOF Launches Aggression and Terrorist Attack on Syria

March 29, 2024

Live News – Middle East – News – Syria – Top

The Syrian Ministry of Defense has reported a devastating Israeli airstrike originating from Athriya, southeast of Aleppo Governorate, which occurred at approximately 1:45 am. This attack targeted multiple locations in the Aleppo countryside in northern Syria.

The Ministry disclosed that this Israeli aggression coincided with a drone attack orchestrated by terrorist organizations from Idlib and the western countryside of Aleppo.

The result of this dual assault led to the martyrdom and injury of numerous civilians and soldiers. Moreover, the aggression caused significant losses in both public and private property.

Remarkably, the Syrian army’s air defenses were able to intercept the Israeli aggression in the airspace over Aleppo.

This recent attack comes only days after another Israeli assault targeted a residential building in the countryside of Damascus, leaving two innocent civilians injured. The Israeli enemy launched this aerial aggression from the occupied Syrian Golan in a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty.

In light of these events, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, expressed deep concern over the escalating Israeli airstrikes against Syrian civilian sites. Nebenzia called the attacks “irresponsible” and condemned them as a flagrant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and international law. He further warned of the serious negative consequences these actions would have on the timely humanitarian response of UN agencies.

Source: Agencies (translated by Al-Manar English Websites)

Related Videos

Israeli aggression in the airspace over Aleppo.

Hezbollah 30 Rockets Barrage Strike Israel| Kiryat Shmona Ravaged| Watch Missile Destruction On Cam

Related News

• Day 174: War Monitors Say Gaza Resistance Maintain Combat Effectiveness
• Several Martyrs, including Paramedics, as Lebanon Comes under New Israeli Aggression
• UN Rapporteur Says Received Threats since She Started Mission on Palestine
• Israeli Raid Kills 3 Palestinians in Jenin
• Key Bridge Collapses in US’ Baltimore Port after Ship Collision
• Dozens Martyred and Injured as IOF Launches Aggression and Terrorist Attack on Syria
• IOF Suffers 8 Injuries in Gaza Within 24 Hours, Total Reaches 3,160 Since ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ Began
• Two Injuries in Israeli Aggression on Damascus Countryside: Ministry
• Supreme Leader Says Gaza Main Victor in War against Zionist Regime
• Will Haredim Conscription Law Lead ‘Israel’ into Early Elections?
• Hezbollah Missiles Target Israeli Settlements
• Families of Israeli Soldiers Held in Gaza: Authorities Scared Us
• Shooting Attack Leaves Zionist Settlers Injured, IOF Stages Widespread Confrontations in the West Bank
• Kiryat Shmona Experiences Hardest Morning with Hezbollah Missiles: Israeli Media
• Iran Proud of Supporting Palestinian Cause: President Raisi
• Hezbollah Warns Slanderous Lebanese Parties against Sedition Stirred by Fabricated Stories
• Day 173: Zionist Criminality against Gaza Continues amid Intensive Raids on Hospitals
• Hamas’ Mashaal: Israeli Captives Won’t Be Released before End of War
• Iraqi Resistance Launches Drone Attacks on Israeli Sites in Solidarity with Gaza

Israeli aggression targets residential building in Damascus

January 20, 2024

Source: Al Mayadeen English

Israeli aggression targets a residential building in Damascus on January 20, 2025. (Social media/ X)

By Al Mayadeen English

An Israeli attack targets a residential building in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

Syrian news agency SANA reported on Saturday that Israeli aggression targeted a residential building in the al-Mazzeh neighborhood in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

In turn, Al Mayadeen‘s correspondent in Damascus said that the aggression led to the complete collapse of the building. 

Sources reported that the three-story building in Damascus houses members of the Iranian Revolution’s Guard. 

UPDATE: The IRGC announced in a statement that four Iranian military advisors were killed in the Israeli aggression on Damascus. Iranian media reported that Hajj Sadegh Omidzadeh, the IRGC’s intelligence advisor in Syria, and his assistant, were killed in the attack. 

Related News

• Pentagon records 140 resistance ops against US bases in Iraq, Syria
• Iran’s latest strikes underline IRGC’s ability to hit ‘Israel’

The attack, the result of an Israeli strike, targeted a residential building in #Damascus, and the targeted building has completely collapsed according to #AlMayadeen's correspondent.#Syria pic.twitter.com/moZiGr7rX3

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 20, 2024

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s representative in Syria, Ismail Al-Sindawi said, “All PIJ leaders in Damascus are fine, and the aggression has not affected any of the movement’s offices.”

This footage shows the destruction resulting from the Israeli aggression on a residential building in Damascus, #Syria.#AlMayadeen's correspondent in #Damascus reported that one person was killed and three were injured in the preliminary toll of the Israeli aggression on a… pic.twitter.com/OucPAWQ6HX

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 20, 2024

Last month, Senior Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Seyyed Razi Mousavi was martyred in an Israeli airstrike on Damascus on December 25, 2023.

The Iranian commander was martyred after the Israeli occupation launched three missiles at his location in the suburbs of Damascus.

Related Videos

Rubble removal operations continue in the #Al-Mazzeh neighborhood in Damascus after the Israeli aggression that targeted a residential building

The Israeli raid is an opportunity to talk about Syria

Has the hour of war on Lebanon struck? Position today 1/19/2024

Related Stories

• 10 Syrian civilians martyred in airstrike on Sweida
• ‘Israel’ violates Syrian sovereignty, strikes Damascus countryside
• Syrian air defenses intercept Israeli aggression on Damascus vicinity
• Eyes on the South: Low intensity conflict & escalation-risk in Lebanon
• Hezbollah Bombed My Farm, Sent Me Death Threat Message over Demanding Israeli War on Lebanon: Head of Margaliot Settlement
• Hezbollah Targets Israeli Positions, Deployments on Border

Four IRGC advisors killed in Israeli strike on Damascus

January 20, 2024

Source: Al Mayadeen English

Israeli aggression targets a residential building in Damascus on January 20, 2025. (Social media/ X)

An Israeli attack targets a residential building in the Syrian capital, Damascus, killing four IRGC advisors.

By Al Mayadeen English

Syrian news agency SANA reported on Saturday that Israeli aggression targeted a residential building in the al-Mazzeh neighborhood in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

In turn, Al Mayadeen‘s correspondent in Damascus said that the aggression led to the complete collapse of the building. 

Sources reported that the three-story building in Damascus houses members of the Iranian Revolution’s Guard. 

UPDATE: The IRGC announced in a statement that four Iranian military advisors were killed in the Israeli aggression on Damascus. Iranian media reported that Hajj Sadegh Omidzadeh, the IRGC’s intelligence advisor in Syria, and his assistant, were killed in the attack. 

Related News

• PIJ, PFLP condemn Israeli aggression on IRGC commanders in Syria
• Pentagon records 140 resistance ops against US bases in Iraq, Syria

The IRGC named its martyred advisors as Hojjatollah Omidvar, Ali Aqazadeh, Hossein Mohammadi, Saeed Karimi, and Mohammad Amin Samadi.

The attack, the result of an Israeli strike, targeted a residential building in #Damascus, and the targeted building has completely collapsed according to #AlMayadeen's correspondent.#Syria pic.twitter.com/moZiGr7rX3

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 20, 2024

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s representative in Syria, Ismail Al-Sindawi said, “All PIJ leaders in Damascus are fine, and the aggression has not affected any of the movement’s offices.”

This footage shows the destruction resulting from the Israeli aggression on a residential building in Damascus, #Syria.#AlMayadeen's correspondent in #Damascus reported that one person was killed and three were injured in the preliminary toll of the Israeli aggression on a… pic.twitter.com/OucPAWQ6HX

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 20, 2024

Last month, Senior Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Seyyed Razi Mousavi was martyred in an Israeli airstrike on Damascus on December 25, 2023.

The Iranian commander was martyred after the Israeli occupation launched three missiles at his location in the suburbs of Damascus.

Related Stories

• 10 Syrian civilians martyred in airstrike on Sweida
• ‘Israel’ violates Syrian sovereignty, strikes Damascus countryside
• Syrian air defenses intercept Israeli aggression on Damascus vicinity
• Israeli media: Large percentage of Israelis abroad refuse to return
• ‘Israel’ eyes war on Lebanon by month-end if no border deal: WashPo
• Iraqi parliament sticks by resolution to boot out US forces
• Four Mossad officials, Peshraw Dizayee among killed in Erbil
• Israeli media: Iranian ballistic missile crosses 1,200 km in first
• South Africa to sue US, UK for complicity in Gaza genocide
• Maduro says ‘Bolivarian fury’ plan activated in face of terrorism

China calls for lifting ‘unlawful, unilateral’ sanctions against Syria

22 Sep 2023 

Source: Agencies

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (SANA)

By Al Mayadeen English

A joint statement issued by Beijing and Damascus says both sides are vehemently opposed to all kinds of hegemony and power politics.

China has urged on Friday relevant nations to swiftly eliminate all “unlawful and unilateral” sanctions imposed against Syria, state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua reported, citing a joint statement issued by Beijing and Damascus.

The statement reiterated that China opposes external interference in Syria’s internal affairs, as well as undermining its security and stability and illegal military presence on Syrian territory.

It also pointed out that both parties are vehemently opposed to all kinds of hegemony and power politics, including the implementation of illegal unilateral sanctions and restrictive measures against other nations.

The joint statement comes shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced earlier a “strategic partnership” with Damascus during talks with his Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The leaders met on the eve of the Asian Games opening ceremony, which al-Assad will attend as part of his first visit to China since 2004.

Related News

• Xi, Al-Assad announce milestone China-Syria ‘strategic partnership’
• IRGC’s Qaani supervises Iran, Syria joint military drills

“Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad on Friday jointly announced the establishment of the China-Syria strategic partnership,” according to Xinhua.

Relations between the two countries “have withstood the test of international changes,” Xi highlighted, stressing that “China supports Syria in opposing foreign interference, opposing unilateral bullying, safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

On his part, al-Assad thanked the Chinese government “for everything you have done to stand alongside the Syrian people in their cause and their trials,” according to a readout from the Syrian state news agency SANA.

The Syrian leader indicated that “this visit is extremely important due to its timing and circumstances because a multipolar world is being formed today which will restore balance and stability to the world.”

“I hope that our meeting today will lay the foundations for broad-based and long-term strategic cooperation in all areas,” he added.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has said al-Assad’s visit will serve to take ties to a “new level”.

Related Videos

Special coverage | #Syria_and_China towards a strategic relationship in various fields | Prepared and presented by Bushra Zaini

Presidents Bashar al-Assad and Xi Jinping hold a bilateral summit in the Chinese city of Khanzhou

Al-Miqdad: President Al-Assad’s visit constitutes a new leap in the history of relations between the two countries

Special coverage | Syria and China… a rich history and a promising future Prepared and presented by Haider Mustafa

Live broadcast || Special coverage of President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to the People’s Republic of China || Hanaa Al-Saleh

Read more:

• Xi, Assad Announce Strategic Partnership in China Summit
• Syria’s Assad, China’s Xi Jinping Hold a Summit Meeting in Hangzhou
• Xi, Al-Assad announce milestone China-Syria ‘strategic partnership’
• Syria’s Al-Assad lands in China on historic visit, marks new era
• The deteriorating economic situation forces Syrian children out of schools, into labor market
• The US Is Trying To Economically Destroy Syria Again

Xi, Al-Assad announce milestone China-Syria ‘strategic partnership’

Sep 22, 2023

Source: Agencies

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and first lady Asma Al-Assad wave to Chinese citizens who are welcoming official visitors in Hangzhou, China, on Friday, September 22, 2023. (Chinese media)

By Al Mayadeen English

China’s president Xi says this move is a “milestone” in the history of relations between the two countries.

China and Syria announced the establishment of a strategic partnership, Chinese President Xi Jinping revealed on Friday, just one day after China’s Foreign Ministry stated that this week would take ties between the two countries to a “new level.”

“Today we will jointly announce the establishment of strategic partnership relations, which will be an important milestone in the history of relations between the two countries,” Xi declared during a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as cited by the China Central Television (CCTV) broadcaster.
 
“Faced with an international situation full of instability and uncertainty, China is willing to continue to work together with Syria, firmly support each other, promote friendly cooperation, and jointly defend international fairness and justice,” he added.

Relations between the two countries “have withstood the test of international changes,” Xi said, affirming that the friendship between the two nations has been “strengthened over time.”

The two leaders have so far signed three cooperation agreements with more on the way, Syrian state news agency SANA said.

Read more: US must withdraw troops, stop plundering of oil in Syria: China

A ‘historic’ visit

Related News

• IRGC’s Qaani supervises Iran, Syria joint military drills
• China says al-Assad’s visit to push ties with Syria to ‘new level’

For the first time since 2004, Syria’s leader landed on Thursday in China’s Hangzhou, on what was described as a historic visit, where is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games on Saturday.

Al-Assad is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising political and economic figures, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the trip. Multiple industrial agreements between the two countries are expected to happen during the trip.

“We believe that President Bashar al-Assad’s visit will further deepen mutual political trust and cooperation in various fields between the two countries, pushing bilateral ties to a new level,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters following his arrival.

“China and Syria have a traditional and deep friendship,” she added, stressing that Syria was one of the first Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with China.

All throughout the global war on Syria, Beijing has provided Damascus with international support, particularly at the UN Security Council, where it has repeatedly abstained from Western-proposed resolutions against the war-torn country.

In late April, the Syrian president met with the Chinese special envoy Zhai Jun in Damascus, where the former highlighted China’s increased role in bringing peace and stability to the Middle East, in reference to the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, adding that China’s practices have become the go-to standards in politics, economy, and culture.

Read more: Syria returns to Arab League

Related Stories

• China says al-Assad’s visit to push ties with Syria to ‘new level’
• Syria’s Al-Assad lands in China on historic visit, marks new era
• Al-Assad to visit China at Xi’s invitation: Syrian Presidency
• Syrian President Assad Visits China in First Trip since 2004

Syria’s Al-Assad lands in China on historic visit, marks new era

 September 21, 2023

Source: Al Mayadeen + Agencies

Syria President Bashar Al-Assad alongside his wife Asma Al-Assad during their trip to Hangzhou, China on September 21, 2023 (Social media)

By Al Mayadeen English

President al-Assad’s trip will include a Syria-Chinese summit where a number of agreements are expected to be signed between the two countries.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad touched down in Hangzhou’s China on Thursday, embarking on his first official visit to the Asian nation in nearly two decades as Damascus continues to break its Western-imposed isolation.

The visit holds immense diplomatic significance, as it paves the way for a Syrian-Chinese summit of paramount importance, and comes in response to an official invitation from his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, exemplifying the warming relations between the two nations.

Al-Assad’s arrival in China underscores the evolving dynamics of international relations and Syria’s renewed commitment to strengthen ties with key global partners.

The Syrian leader is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising political and economic figures, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the trip. Multiple industrial agreements between the two countries are expected to happen during the trip.

Related News

• UK intel spun anti-Syria gov. narrative of alleged chemical attack
• Al-Assad to visit China at Xi’s invitation: Syrian Presidency

Read more: China calls for lifting of US sanctions on Syria instead of suspension

Several meetings will be held with senior Chinese officials in the cities of Hangzhou, and later Beijing. Al-Assad is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games on Saturday.

President Assad, first lady Asmaa, and a senior delegation have arrived in #China for meetings in Beijing and Changzhou. Presidents Assad and Xi will also hold a #Syrian–#Chinese summit during the visit.#Syria pic.twitter.com/q3q2EtVS6o

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 21, 2023

In April, the Syrian leader received Chinese special envoy Chai Jun in Damascus, during which he praised China’s pivotal role in global issues, such as providing a balancing political and economic presence. He also commended the development of Russian-Chinese relations and considered that these growing ties, alongside the BRICS alliance, allow for the creation of a strong multipolar international order.

Syrian and Chinese officials had previously discussed several infrastructure projects, especially in energy, mining, transportation, and water plants.

Read more: US must withdraw troops, stop plundering of oil in Syria: China

Related Videos

Scenes of the official reception of President al-Assad and First Lady Asma al-Assad at Khanjo International Airport

Related Stories

• Al-Assad in China 
• Al-Assad to visit China at Xi’s invitation: Syrian Presidency
• Syrian opposition coalition pronounced dead by former leader
• Syria slams UN inaction over US looting billions worth of Syrian oil

Al-Assad to visit China at Xi’s invitation: Syrian Presidency

19 Sep 2023 15:46

Source: Agencies

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad addresses members of parliament in Damascus (SANA)

By Al Mayadeen English

The Syrian Presidency confirms that President Bashar al-Assad and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will hold a Syrian-Chinese summit.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will visit China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the office of the Syrian President confirmed on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Al-Watan reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that al-Assad plans to visit China and hold talks with Xi, in his first trip to Beijing since the start of the war on Syria.

“At the official invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Bashar Assad and First Lady Asma Assad are planning to visit China, which will begin the day after tomorrow, on Thursday,” the statement read.

Al-Assad and Xi will hold a Syrian-Chinese summit, and the Syrian president and his wife will hold a number of meetings in Shanghai and Beijing, the president’s office noted.

According to state-run Syrian news agency SANA, “an official delegation will accompany President al-Assad during the visit comprising Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Fayssal Mikdad, Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade, Mohammad Samer al-Khalil, Presidential Affairs Minister Mansour Azzam and Special Adviser at the Presidency of the Republic, Buthaina Shaaban.”

Related News

• Turkey further breaches Iraq sovereignty, launches strikes on PKK
• Turkey rebukes US over child soldiers allegations

China will be the third non-Arab country that al-Assad visits since before the conflict.

Al-Watan said the Syrian leader was expected to attend the opening of the Asian Games in Hangzhou on September 23.

It is noteworthy that Beijing has provided Damascus with international support, particularly at the UN Security Council, where it has repeatedly abstained from Western-proposed resolutions against Damascus.

In late April, the Syrian President met with the Chinese special envoy Zhai Jun in Damascus, where the former highlighted China’s increased role in bringing peace and stability to the Middle East, adding that China’s practices have become the go-to standards in politics, economy, and culture.

During the meeting, al-Assad said Syria does not forget that China stood by its side during the war in order to defend Syrian sovereignty and appreciates all the assistance provided by Beijing during the devastating earthquake that struck the country on February 6.

In 2021, al-Assad met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Damascus and discussed Syria possibly taking part in China’s “Belt and Road” infrastructure and trade initiative, the Syrian presidency said at the time.

Read more: Syria slams UN inaction over US looting billions worth of Syrian oil

Related Video

Syria and China… deep-rooted historical relations

Related News

• Syrian president headed to China for first official visit since 2004
• The Syrian Arab Army and its allies continue their war on the US-led NATO-sponsored terrorism in Idlib, Aleppo, Latakia, and Hama.
• Unrest grows in US-occupied Syria after Kurdish proxy hikes fuel prices by 300 percent

Amir Abdollahian to Assad: Iran Stands by Syria to Proceed Fight against Terrorism

August 31, 2023

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad receives Iranian FM Hossein AMir Abdollahian in Damascus (August 31, 2023).

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian met with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad on Thursday, as he voiced the Islamic Republic’s unwavering support to Damascus.

“The Syrian government, nation and army emerged victorious from a global terrorism war against them and now Syria is in its best condition and we are happy that today the region and the world realize Syria’s real power,” Amir Abdollahian said told President Assad, a day after he arrived in the Syrian capital on a two-day visit.

He stated that the enemies of Syria are still pursuing their political goals in dealing with that country through sanctions and economic pressure on the Syrian government and people.

The top Iranian diplomat said, meanwhile, that as the Islamic Republic of Iran stood alongside Syria during the hard time of the campaign against terrorism, affirming that it will continue the same approach in the new era.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is still standing by Syria’s side in completing the process of fighting terrorism.”

In this context, he emphasized the need for everyone to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

Amir Abdollahian noted that he discussed with the Syrian prime minister and foreign minister the process of implementing the agreements reached between the two countries during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Syria last May.

He also expressed happiness with the resumption of Syria’s presence and operation in the Arab League and the strengthening of Syrian-Arab relations.

For his part, President Assad congratulated the Iranian nation on the recent accession to the BRICS group.

“This shows that the world is changing and what you and I stood for was right.”

The Syrian president welcomed Iran’s initiative to strengthen relations with the Arab countries of the region as a great strategic action.

He considered the US strategy in the region to be aimed at provoking tensions between the countries of the region, including stirring rows between Shia and Sunni or Iran and Arabs.

In the meeting, the political process of the developments in Syria, the Astana process, the relations between Syria and the Arab League, the developments in Palestine and some other issues in the region were discussed.

Source: Agencies

Related Videos

A press conference for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Faisal Al-Miqdad, and his Iranian counterpart, Hussein Amir Abdullahian

Abdullahian: We strongly condemn the Israeli attacks on Syrian territory

Related Articles

• The Suwayda Protests: A Foreign-Backed Plot to Fragment Syria?
• At Least 25 Dead in Heavy Clashes between US Proxy Militia, Arab Tribes in Eastern Syria
• Syria and its Allies Try to Drive Out US Occupation Forces
• Syria in Turmoil as US, UK, Israel and France Turn Up the Heat
• Syrian and Russian Armies Bomb NATO Forces in Idlib and Hama
• Unravelling the Conspiracy: Western Intelligence Agencies Recycling Syria ‘Revolution’
• The US Deepens the Lebanese Suffering
• BRICS Expansion: Another Impediment to US Policy Goals in the Middle East
• New Israeli Blitz on Syria Puts Aleppo Airport Out of Commission
• Two Years After its Afghan Withdrawal, US Credibility is at Rock Bottom

“الجبهة الشعبية”: ارتقاء 5 شهداء بغارة جوية إسرائيلية على بلدة قوسايا اللبنانية

 الأربعاء 31 أيار 2023

المصدر: الميادين نت

القيادي في الجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين أنور رجا يعلن عبر الميادين استشهاد 5 عناصر من الجبهة، وإصابة 10 آخرين بجروح في غارة إسرائيلية على بلدة قوسايا الحدودية بين لبنان وسوريا.

الشهداء الخمسة ارتقوا بغارة إسرائيلية في بلدة قوسايا الحدودية بين لبنان وسوريا

وقال القيادي في “الجبهة الشعبية” أنور رجا للميادين إنّ “خمسة شهداء ارتقوا في اعتداء اسرائيلي على مركز للجبهة في بلدة قوسايا الحدودية”.

أعلنت الجبهة الشعبيّة لتحرير فلسطين – القيادة العامة استشهاد 5 من عناصر الجبهة في غارة إسرئيلية فجر اليوم الأربعاء.

وأضاف رجا أنّ “الاعتداء الاسرائيلي على مركز للجبهة في قوسايا على الحدود اللبنانية السورية أدّى كذلك إلى إصابة 10 آخرين بجروح”.

بدوره، قال عضو اللجنة المركزية في الجبهة بدر أحمد جبريل في صفحته في “تويتر” إنّ “الشهداء الخمسة ارتقوا عقب استهداف الاحتلال أحد مواقع الجبهة عند الحدود اللبنانية السورية”.

قام العدو الصهيو ني فجر اليوم بغارة جوية استهدفت أحد مواقع فدا ئي الجبهة_ الشعبيةلتحر يرفلسطين القيا د ة _ العا مة في لبنان (قوسايا) والتي أسفرت عن وقوع خمسة شهد ا ء وعدد من الجر حى إضافة لخسائر مادية في الموقع عهدا على مواصلة الكفا ح حتى تحرير الأرض ، والإنسان 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/fVsN53VLRy

— MHD. BADER بدر أحمد جبريل (@mhdpedro) May 31, 2023

وعقب الاستهداف الإسرائيلي، قالت الجبهة الشعبيّة لتحرير فلسطين في بيان اليوم: “العدوان الذي استهدف عناصرنا جاء ضمن الحرب الصهيونية المفتوحة على شعبنا الفلسطيني في كل أماكن وجوده”.

ونعت الجبهة في البيان الشهداء الخمسة، مؤكدةً أنّ “هذه الجريمة ليست معزولة عن الأحداث الأخيرة المتسارعة على الجبهتين اللبنانيّة والسوريّة، وهي في إطار التهديدات الصهيونيّة المتواصلة التي تستهدف قوى المقاومة في داخل فلسطين وخارجها”.

وأشار البيان إلى أنّ “الاحتلال يسعى من خلال ارتكاب هذه الجريمة لتوجيه مجموعة من الرسائل إلى المقاومة، متوهماً أنّه يستطيع من خلالها ردع المقاومة المتنامية التي سترد على هذه الجريمة من دون أن ترهبها التهديدات الصهيونيّة”.

وليل الأحد الماضي، استهدف عدوان إسرائيلي محيط دمشق جاء من فوق الجولان المحتلة بأربعة صواريخ استهدفت مواقع عسكرية.

وأفاد مراسل الميادين بأنه “جرى إسقاط صاروخين في محيط قطنا في ريف دمشق الغربي، فيما سقط الثالث جنوب دمشق في محيط منطقة الكسوة. أمّا الرابع، فاستهدف محيط أحد المواقع جنوب شرقي العاصمة في محيط مطار دمشق”.

وفي مطلع أيار/مايو، تصدّت الدفاعات الجوية السورية لعدوان إسرائيلي استهدف محيط مطار حلب الدولي وبلدة السفيرة في ريف حلب الجنوبي، ما أدّى إلى خروج مطار حلب عن الخدمة.

اقرأـ أيضاً: الاعتداءات الإسرائيلية الأخيرة على سوريا: بين رسائل الرّدع وأجوبة الحرب

مواضيع متعلقة

• السيد نصر الله للإسرائيليين: أيّ خطأ في التقدير قد يؤدي إلى حربٍ كبرى في المنطقة
• تحرير المخطوف السعودي في لبنان
• بشكل سري.. أعضاء “الناتو” يدرسون خطط…
• اجتماع انتهى بغرق القارب.. لماذا…
• “الجبهة الشعبية”: ارتقاء 5 شهداء…
• صنعاء: وصول سفينة هولندية إلى اليمن…
• الليرة التركية تتراجع إلى مستويات…

Assad in Jeddah: Tangibly, what does this mean for Syria?

May 30 2023

Photo Credit: The Cradle

Arab reconciliation with Syria is a two-way street, with both sides seeking important concessions from each other. While all solutions can be found within a grand regional compromise, not all Arab states will be willing to challenge Washington’s red lines.

By Giorgio Cafiero

Twelve days after Syria regained its membership in the Arab League, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad addressed the pan-Arab body at its 19 May summit in Jeddah. This was Assad’s first Arab League meeting in 12 years. It was also his first visit to Saudi Arabia since October 2010, making the kingdom the third Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member – after Oman and the UAE – to welcome him for an official visit this year.

His participation at the gathering was a watershed in Damascus’s return to the region’s diplomatic arena and a sign of a collective desire by most Arab governments, with the notable exception of Qatar, to reintegrate Syria into the fold and ends it isolation.

During Assad’s first speech at an Arab League summit since his country’s November 2011 suspension, he lambasted the west and said that “for Syria, its past, present, and future is Arabism.” The Syrian president called for an end to outside interference in Arab countries’ internal affairs. His address centered on the recognition of a new multipolar geopolitical order and highlighted Syria’s reconciliation with various regional governments.

“Today we have an opportunity in a world with several poles as a result of western dominance, which lacks principles, manners, friends, and partners.”

“This Arab League summit is a historic opportunity to address regional issues without foreign interference, which requires us to reposition in the world that is forming today in order for us to play an active role in it as we take advantage of the positive atmosphere following the reconciliations that preceded the summit today.”

Reasserting Arab independence

The Syrian president also told summit attendees that he hopes the event will mark “the beginning of a new phase of Arab action for solidarity among us, for peace in our region, development, and prosperity instead of war and destruction.”

Commenting on Assad’s address, Dr. Joseph A Kechichian, a senior fellow at the King Faisal Centre in Riyadh, tells The Cradle:

“It was ironic that Syrian President Bashar Assad thanked Saudi Arabia for promoting the reconciliation in the region… Still, much of what was discussed in public at Jeddah was superficial, although one assumed that far more substantial conversations occurred behind closed doors.

While embracing his fellow Arabs, Assad lashed out at Turkiye and Israel during his address. Despite Damascus and Ankara’s gradual movement toward reconciliation under Russian auspices, the Syrian president condemned Turkiye’s military deployment into northern Syria and its sponsorship of various anti-government militias.

By citing the “danger of expansionist Ottoman thought” and the Muslim Brotherhood, Assad likely resonated with some attendees whose governments share Syria’s view of the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. He also declared that “there are many issues for which there are not enough words or summits, including the crimes of the Zionist entity [Israel]… against the resisting Palestinians.”

While Assad’s speech carried significant rhetoric and symbolism, the question remains whether Syria’s regained Arab League membership and its warm welcome in Saudi Arabia will deliver the tangible changes the country desperately needs.

Here are five of the most pressing issues facing Syria today, each of which can be solved inter-regionally, if western pressures are held at bay:

Sanctions circumvention

First, with Washington doubling down on its Caesar Act, Damascus will be looking to find Arab partner states to help circumvent or undermine these sanctions, and devise tactics to do so. Thus far, the US’s crippling sanctions on Syria have deterred the wealthier GCC states from investing in the country’s reconstruction and redevelopment.

Camille Otrakji, a Damascus-born, Montreal-based Syria specialist, tells The Cradle that, presently, “Arab states find themselves benefiting from the temporary [sanctions] respite provided by the 180-day general license issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)” in response to the devastating 6 February earthquake.

“Additionally, these states have forged an understanding with the Biden administration, recognizing that engagement with Syria can yield mutually advantageous outcomes…Nevertheless, there exist indirect avenues through which the Arabs can extend support to the Syrian government without transgressing the boundaries of existing sanctions.”

The Syrian leadership is trying to loosen the US sanctions noose with help from fellow Arab League members, particularly those such as the UAE which have considerable clout in Washington. Arab states also have options for doing business with Syria in ways that could escape the US Treasury Department’s radar – in local currencies, for instance.

These include going through the Russians and Iranians or “construct[ing] barter-like relationships and buy[ing] into long-term shares of things that are constructed in the form of direct transfers of regional currencies,” as Dr. Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, DC, recently told CNN.

Regardless of how US President Joe Biden or his eventual successor approach Syria and the Caesar Act, officials in Damascus may conclude that time is on their side, even if patience is necessary. The Syrian government is banking on a new, less west-centric, and more multipolar world order emerging over the next few years.

As Otrakji tells The Cradle, “President Assad, during his address at the Arab summit, articulated Syria’s strategy as one of patient waiting, capitalizing on opportunities while the United States grapples with a diminishing hold on global affairs.”

Indeed, as the world moves toward de-dollarization, US sanctions will have less of an impact everywhere. Influential Arab capitals like Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, now openly engaging and transacting with US-sanctioned Russia, Iran, and China – may be less deterred from doing business with Syria. Others more aligned with or dependent on Washington may be hesitant to do so, which is why Damascus may be hoping for the Saudis and Emiratis to first blaze that path.

Iran’s role

Second, Arab governments eager to bring Syria back to the Arab League may try to leverage these relations to reduce Iran’s role in the war-torn country. For now, according to Arab League Assistant Secretary General Hossam Zaki, the institution’s members “put aside” their demand that Iranian forces withdraw from Syria.

If true, this would be a major concession on the part of GCC states – one that would add to Tehran’s sense of confidence in the region following the 10 March diplomatic agreement with Saudi Arabia that eased the Islamic Republic’s regional isolation.

It is fairly certain that Arab states will continue trying to leverage their reengagement with Damascus in ways aimed at reducing Syria’s strategic dependence on Iran, regardless of whether this is realistic or not. But many experts are doubtful about Saudi Arabia and other GCC/Arab states succeeding on this front.

“History matters,” explains Dr. Marina Calculli, a Columbia University research fellow in the Department of Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies, to The Cradle.

“The alliance between Syria and Iran has an ideological origin. It is grounded in the conviction that Syria and Iran do not have the space they deserve in the international order. Internal opposition to this alliance within the Assad [government] has been obliterated. It is unlikely that Syria will trade its alliance with Iran for some business investments lightly.”

The Captagon trade

Third, is a regional desire to stem the illicit Captagon trade, which Washington and others have largely attributed to Syria and its government. Although Assad did not address this topic in his 19 May Jeddah speech, it is an important agenda item for Arab states flooded with the illicit “war drug.”

The hope is that reestablishing relations with Damascus can mobilize the Assad government to target drug trafficking. With the country still under heavy US sanctions, including the CAPTAGON Act, trade in the highly-addictive amphetamine provides Syrian and other regional dealers with billions in revenue each year.

The Caesar Act has not worked: impoverishing Syria further inhibits access to financial resources that can target the drug trade. Regardless, Iraq and Jordan have reportedly agreed to cooperate with Syria’s government in tackling the Captagon trade across their borders. Whether Damascus’s cooperation on this front has just been about optics and short-term political calculations or reflects a genuine desire to work with other regional states on the issue is unclear.

“Captagon is Assad’s golden card, its strategic asset in the normalization game. He would be willing to take down the Captagon trade only in exchange for meaningful restoration of economic relations with Arab countries and beyond,” argues Dr. Calculli.

The illegal US occupation

Fourth, is the glaring issue of the illegal US military presence in northeastern Syria. Damascus has consistently called on US forces to leave the country, and now Assad’s government is obtaining stronger support from other Arab states – along with Russia, Iran, and China – when making this demand.

In early May, Egyptian, Iraqi, Jordanian, and Saudi officials met with their Syrian counterparts and expressed their collective desire to see Assad’s government take full territorial control of Syria. Whether these US-friendly Arab states supporting the Syrian government’s position on the US occupation of Syria will have any effect on Washington’s policies remains an open question.

Yet, some experts doubt that the Syria’s return to the Arab League will impact the US military presence in Syria where American troops persistently exploit the country’s natural resources. Fatima Alghool, a Damascus-based Syrian journalist, believes what will matter most for the future of the US occupation of Syrian land is the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. She explained to The Cradle that there are two likely scenarios whereby the US military would retreat from Syria:

“The first is an agreement with Damascus, which is unlikely in the foreseeable future. The second is the repetition of the Iraqi scenario, and the withdrawal of the American forces due to the high costs they pay, whether financially or morally.”

Syrian refugee crisis

Fifth, is the conundrum over what to do with more than 5.5 million externally displaced Syrian refugees in the region. As underscored by the way the Syrian refugee issue played out in this month’s Turkish elections, those countries hosting millions of displaced Syrians since 2011 have had to deal with extreme economic challenges in doing so. Today, there is much pressure on these governments to push ahead with plans to repatriate Syrian refugees.

Within the context of normalization talks, Jordanian officials have emphasized the need to bolster the Syrian economy and issue amnesty for refugees – many of whom distrust Assad’s government – so that they are assured of safety and a home to return to. But given the stark reality of economic conditions and political dynamics in Syria, the proposals will require a lot more planning, investment, and wrangling of guarantees than currently exists.

Alghool tells The Cradle that while Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkiye are pushing for repatriation, “Damascus always links the return of refugees to reconstruction as a precondition for their return, arguing that these refugees must find homes to live in.” But how to do this without lifting or bypassing western sanctions aimed at Syria’s reconstruction sector?

“The Saudi vision in this regard coincides with the vision of Damascus, which links the return of refugees to securing the necessary infrastructure and improving living conditions in Syria, indicating Saudi intentions to contribute to the reconstruction of Syria,” she adds.

A Republican win in the next US elections may pave the way forward, suggests Alghool. She points to the “good relationship” between the GOP and the Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia, and says Riyadh can apply certain pressures on a Republican president to ease up on Syria “and ensure that Washington will not oppose it.”

Concessions, rehabilitation, and rivalries

Today, most Arab states regard Syria in ways that starkly diverge from Washington’s goal of isolating and sanctioning Damascus into collapse.

There does remain a divide in how far these states may be willing to proceed with Syria. Arab League members like Egypt and Jordan are taking very incremental steps forward, trying to wrest concessions from Damascus for each move along the normalization path. Others like Tunisia and the UAE, on the other hand, seem to demand nothing from Assad’s government in exchange for reconciliation.

There are yet others, such as regional mediator Oman, which never split with Damascus even when the Sultanate’s fellow GCC members did. It comes as no surprise then that Muscat, “the city of secret negotiations,” has recently hosted direct “secret talks” between Syrian and US officials to discuss a variety of pressing issues.

Following Assad’s speech in Jeddah, the Syrian government feels emboldened and will try to push for further reintegration into the Arab world’s diplomatic fold while making as few concessions as possible.

But things are moving quickly in both regional and global geopolitics. How the different Arab League members choose to engage Damascus and how their own rivalries play out in relation to Assad’s government – and western pressure on Syria – will become clearer this year and next.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of The Cradle.

Related

• Syria in the Last 24 Hours
• How Syrians Survive America’s Economic Siege
• The Secret of Erdogan’s Success in the 2023 Election
• The Terrorism Pretext: US-ISIS-Kurdish Nexus Preserves Occupation of Syria
• US to Target Crowded Places in Syria via Terrorist Attacks
• Syria: The Foreign Policy of the Psychopaths in Washington DC
• Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Secures Another Term Following Runoff Election
• Western Media’s Shifting Narratives of Erdogan
• Exposing Oz Katerji And The UK Based Pro FSA And White Helmets Terrorist Propaganda Networks Operating In The United Kingdom

Iran Ready to Arm Syria with Advanced Weapons: Defense Minister

May, 08, 2023

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said Tehran is prepared to equip the Syrian military forces with sophisticated weapons and open “strategic defense gear” factories in the Arab country.

The Iranian defense minister, who was accompanying the Iranian president during a visit to Syria last week, held a meeting with his Syrian counterpart Ali Mahmoud Abbas in Damascus to weigh plans for closer cooperation between the two states.

Highlighting Iran’s support for Syria in a full-fledged war against the Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) terrorist group, General Ashtiani said the Defense Ministry of Iran is prepared to arm the Syrian armed forces with the most advanced defense weapons.

Voicing Iran’s readiness to establish “defense and multilateral infrastructures” in Syria and strengthen the Arab nation’s military arms capabilities, the defense minister said Iran can cooperate with Damascus in the construction of factories and production of “strategic defense equipment” in order to improve the Syrian people’s security.

For his part, the Syrian defense minister expressed gratitude to Iran for contributing to security and stability in his country.

General Mahmoud Abbas underlined that strengthened defense power will prepare Syria as a member of the axis of resistance in the war on terrorism.

Warning of hostile attempts to undermine the brotherly ties between Syria and Iran, the Syrian defense minister stated that the bilateral relations are growing to the benefit of regional security and stability.

In July 2020, Iran and Syria signed a comprehensive agreement to enhance their cooperation in the military and defense sectors.

Iran began providing Syria with advisory military assistance after numerous countries, at the head of them the US and its Western and regional allies started funding and arming militants and terrorists with the aim of deposing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government in 2011.

Despite initially losing considerable expanses of territory to Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) and other terror outfits, the country, however, rallied with the help of Iran and Russia, another ally of Damascus, and reversed the balance in favor of itself on the battleground.

Related Videos

Syria’s return to the university: The Saudi-Iranian agreement is innocent… and America is on the lookout

Episode 19 from 60 minutes – 7-5-2023 – As we said, the year 2023 is the year of transformations, the beginning and the end in Syria

Damascus – An open dialogue with the Arab journalist “Abdul Bari Atwan” in the auditorium of the University of Damascus

From Cairo, behind the scenes of the meeting of Arab foreign ministers and the decision to return Syria

Saif Al-Quds Forum – Dialogues 7-5-2023 – As it was directed by Al-Awda: Through Syria, the Arab equation is drawn

Related Articles

• Iran FM Spox: Syria’s Return to Arab League Shows Region’s Resolve to Reduce Foreign Interference
• US’ Sullivan Discusses Yemen with Saudi Crown Prince 
• IAEA Issues Warning over Europe’s Biggest Nuclear Power Plant 
• Sayyed Nasrallah Addresses Nation on Friday 
• Russian Military Destroys 22 Ukrainian Drones over Black Sea
• Arab Foreign Ministers Agree on Syria’s Return to Arab League 
• IRGC Tests Homegrown Rocket with Thermobaric Warhead
• Palestinian Youths Clash with Occupation Forces in West Bank, Israeli Enemy Demolishes School in Bethlehem 
• Arab Foreign Ministers Agree on Syria’s Return to Arab League
• Balance of power shifting from West to East: Iranian top general

Syria says ‘mutual respect’, ‘dialogue’ basis of new Arab relations

May 7, 2023

Source: Al Mayadeen Net + Agencies

By Al Mayadeen English 

The Syrian Arab Republic confirms the importance of collective joint action between Arab states to tackle common challenges.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry building in Damascus, Syria (Sputnik)

The Syrian Foreign Ministry stressed on Sunday that an effective Arab approach on the bilateral and collective levels that is based on dialogue, respect, and common interests is the next step required to address common challenges facing Arab countries.

The Ministry’s remarks come after the Council of the Arab League announced in an extraordinary meeting on Sunday readmitting the Syrian Arab Republic as a full member, 12 years after suspending its membership following the start of the war on the country.

The Arab countries must take “an effective approach based on mutual respect,” the Foreign Ministry added in a statement, emphasizing the “importance of joint work and dialogue to undertake the challenges facing Arab countries.”

Read more: FMs of Turkey, Russia, Syria, and Iran to meet next week

Damascus had received with interest the Council’s decision to resume the participation of Syrian government delegations in the meetings of the body and its affiliated bodies, the statement read.

“Syria has followed the positive trends and interactions currently taking place in the Arab region, which it believes are in the interest of all Arab countries and in the interest of achieving stability, security, and prosperity for its [region’s] people,” the Ministry added.

“Syria, a founding member of the League of Arab States, renews its continuous position on the need to strengthen joint Arab action and cooperation.”

In a statement to Al Mayadeen, the spokesperson of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Ahmad Al-Sahhaf, said, “This return is not only for Syria as a party, but rather a return to the path of collective Arab action,” stressing that “the Syrian issue will be settled politically, through dialogue, and with continued Arab coordination and support.”

For his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said, “All stages of the Syrian crisis have proven that there is no military solution to it,” adding that “a political solution with exclusive Syrian ownership without external dictates” is the only way to settle the Syrian crisis.

The League’s decision comes ten days ahead of a planned Arab summit in Saudi Arabia on May 19,  with all eyes now focused on whether Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad will personally participate.

Read more: Raisi: Iran will always support Syria

The geopolitical shifts are taking place in the region despite strong opposition from Washington.

Last month, Vedant Patel, the principal deputy spokesperson for the State Department, said the United States does not currently think that Syria merits readmission to the League of Arab States.

Related Videos

Special Coverage | Syria’s return to the League of Arab States

An emergency session of the meeting of Arab foreign ministers in the Arab League

Related Stories

• Foreign Ministry: Syria Receives with Interest the Decision on its Resuming Participation in the Arab League
• Syria to resume participation in Arab League meetings: Statement
• The Qatar-Syria Stand Off: Enemies to the End
• Bridge of Peace and Prosperity Proposed from the Arab World to Syria
• Palestine is Boiling and Will Not Cool Down
• Syria returns to Arab League
• The Dollar and Imperial Rule
• ‘Operations Against US Troops Will Continue’: Iraqi Resistance
• Syria to be readmitted soon to Arab League: Jordanian FM
• Algiers: Syria can’t be isolated from its Arab Milieu
• Iranian President Concludes State Visit to Syria, a First in 13 Years
• A Decline in US Middle East Power Results in Regional Unity
• Iran and Syria Call for End of Western Economic Domination, Withdrawal of All Foreign Troops from the Region
• Joint Syrian-Iranian Statement
• The Emerging Multipolar World Order is Good for International Peace

Assad holds talks with Raisi prior to his departure from Damascus

May 5, 2023

Source: Al Mayadeen Net

By Al Mayadeen English 

The Syrian and Iranian presidents emphasize actions needed to revive agreements that were signed during the Iranian President’s visit to Damascus.

• President Bashar Al-Assad during his talks with his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad held a session of talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi prior to his departure from Damascus.

During the talks, the two presidents emphasized actions needed to revive agreements that were signed during the Iranian President’s visit in order to boost the relationship between the two countries and their peoples.

The memorandum includes cooperation agreements regarding railway construction, agriculture, oil, and mutual recognition of maritime certificates. The signing of the MoU took place during #Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's reception of his #Iranian counterpart in #Damascus. pic.twitter.com/DWndPz7by5

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 3, 2023

Al-Assad and Raisi also tackled the process needed to establish a joint bank to support economic activities and addressed the economic steps that would be worked on during the next phase in the power, energy, and tourism sectors among others.

Raisi arrived in Syria on Wednesday on an official visit, marking the first trip to the Arab country by an Iranian President in over 10 years.

#Iranian President Ebrahim #Raisi had a warm welcome as he arrived in Damascus to meet with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. Raisi is the first Iranian President to visit #Syria since 2011. pic.twitter.com/41MDCGiq6g

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 3, 2023

The Iranian President held talks with his Syrian counterpart and also met with Syrian Prime Minister Hussein Arnous and Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad.

Read next: Exclusive interview with Raisi: Iran ready to join BRICS

Syria can turn sanctions into opportunities

On Thursday, Raisi confirmed that a number of agreements were made during the recent meeting with Al-Assad, noting that 15 documents were signed to facilitate all required procedures and open a new page in relations between the two countries.

During a forum of businessmen in Damascus, Raisi said that “the Iranian people and Iranian officials always stand by the Syrian people,” adding that “the volume of trade exchange between the two countries does not amount to the volume of political relations between us, and therefore the volume of exchange must be expanded in a way that is more reflective of our relations.”

He indicated that “the will of the two governments is to expand economic relations” and cooperation in all fields.

Addressing the businessmen, Raisi said, “It is important that your [merchants] will is to exert economic efforts so that the conditions of both our nations change for the better.”

“Iran has turned the sanctions imposed on it into opportunities,” he added, noting that it is also possible for Syria to turn sanctions into opportunities.

The Iranian president pointed out that “this visit will constitute a positive and good turning point for the development of relations between the two countries,” adding, “You will see the impact of this visit on the economic relations between the two countries and the region as a whole.”

Read next: Iran, Syria rapprochement highlights decline in US regional influence

Iran Embarks on a New Era: No Separation from Syria

 May 5, 2023

Syrian Presidnet Bashar Al-Assad with Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi during a historic visit to Damascus (May 3, 2023).

Hamza Al-Khansa*

Translated by Areej Fatima Al-Husseini

The visit of Iran’s President, Ibrahim Raisi, comes amid a time filled with distinct occurrences. Whether it is at the level of bolstering Syrian-Arab ties and the Iranian-Saudi accord under Chinese auspices, or at the level of the country’s economic crisis prompted by stringent US “Caesar” sanctions. In addition, while some Arabs attributed the efforts to rekindle the Arab League – Syria harmony to the latter’s distance from Iran, Raisi’s visit showed up. The unprecedented visit, in terms of circumstances and expected outcomes, came to confirm that the two allies’ relation is strategic.

Deep-Rooted Relations

In this context, a source in the Iranian president’s delegation stated to the Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar that “Iranian-Syrian relations are deep-rooted and robust, and not a single force can separate the two countries, particularly as they have made sacrifices together in combating extremism and terrorism.”

“Raisi’s visit is quite normal,” the source noted, “and it comes in the context of providing support to the Syrian people. It also revitalizes the two nations’ economic relations, ensuring that their people profit primarily.”

In the same context, the Iranian source asserts the visit is in response to attempts aimed at compelling Damascus to choose between the Arabs and Tehran.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has changed its policies,” the source remarked. “In light of this, we reached an agreement with it that contributed significantly to the development of ties between Riyadh and Damascus, which is a positive step. We hope that the conditions in the entire region will be normalized”, the source added.

Stimulating Economies

As one of the prominent headlines of Raisi’s visit to Damascus was the economic aspect, Syrians hope that this visit will reflect positively on their country’s exhausting economic situation. This can be accomplished by the swift endorsement of the visit’s outcomes and the implementation of the major economic and commercial agreements struck during the visit.

The same source confirms that “the signed agreements have a positive impact on the lives of the Syrian people as well as the Iranian economy.” “President Raisi’s government is keen to foster economic ties, particularly between Iran and Syria. This issue was neglected in the past, and we must develop it now because of the positive impact it will have on the two peoples”, the source added.

The Axis of Resistance Comes First

The other key component of the visit, connected to strengthening the Axis of Resistance, was a “main course” on the discussion menu between the Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, and his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Al-Assad.

This comes after ‘Israel’ publicly conveyed its displeasure with the visit even before it took place, whether via its media or with the air strike on Aleppo Airport a few hours before Raisi’s airliner arrived at Damascus airport.

Israel launches fresh missile strike on Syria, targeting Aleppo Intl. Airport, killing soldier https://t.co/DkVALgbcTW

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) May 2, 2023

According to the Iranian source, “the Israeli raids did not and will not change the reality in Syria.” Rather, they reinforce the logic that the Israeli entity is not acceptable as a legitimate entity in the region.”

Speaking of developing Syria’s capability to respond to these violations, the source tells Al-Akhbar that “the repeated Israeli attacks on Syria, particularly the recent attack on Aleppo Airport, are in violation of the international law. Such violations are committed by the apartheid regime that has killed numerous civilians in recent years, in addition to its support for the terrorists there.”

*Hamza Al-Khansa writes for Al-Akhbar Lebanese newspaper. This article was published by the daily on Thursday, May 04, 2023.

Related Videos

An exclusive interview for the Syrian Arab News Agency “SANA” and Al-Suriya TV with Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi

Sullivan to Saudi Arabia: Any new arrangements?

Private Dialogue | The Iranian President’s visit to Syria…an important milestone in the course of bilateral relations | Bushra Zaini

RELATED ARTICLES

• President Raisi Terms Syria’s Visit as Turning Point in Expansion of Ties
• Syria is a Founding Member of the Arab League and Cannot Be Deprived of Its Rights: Algerian President
• Iran’s Raisi: Syria Visit Turning Point in Expansion of Ties
• President Raisi Terms Syria’s Visit as Turning Point in Expansion of Ties
• Raisi Meets Palestinian Resistance Commanders: Liberation of Quds Most Important Issue of World of Islam
• Iranian President Concludes State Visit to Syria, a First in 13 Years
• Syria is a Founding Member of the Arab League and Cannot Be Deprived of Its Rights: Algerian President
• Joint Syrian-Iranian Statement
• Iran and Syria Call for End of Western Economic Domination, Withdrawal of All Foreign Troops from the Region
• NATO Terrorists Bomb Electrical Feed to Alouk Water Plant in Syria

Sayyed Raisi Leads Prayer at Sayyeda Zeinab (A.S.) Holy Shrine: Exclusive Video

May 4, 2023

During his visit to Sayyeda Zeinab (A.S.) Holy Shrine in Damascus Countryside, the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi led the worshippers’ prayer.

The Iranian president also visited the Holy Shrine of Sayyeda Roqayya (A.S.) in Damascus.

President Raisi stressed that Syria managed to emerge victorious from the 12-year terrorist war, adding that the Islamic Republic will support Syria during the reconstruction stage just it did during the hard times.

Addressing a public ceremony held on Wednesday at Sayyeda Zeinab (A.S.) Holy Shrine in Damascus Countryside, Sayyed Raisi said that the meeting is aimed at celebrating the victory over terror and thank Holy God for this bless.

The Iranian President maintained that the relation between Iran and Syria is popularly emotional and governmentally strategic.

The acts of resistance in Palestine and the whole region against the Israeli enemy led to changing the circumstances in favor of the axis of resistance, according to Sayyed Raisi who added that Iran will keep supporting the Resistance groups in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine.

Sayyed Raisi also highlighted the role of the Palestinian resistance fighters in liberating Al-Quds, saying that they can take the initiative.

Source: Al-Manar English Website