Damascus, March 10 — Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has strongly criticized Iran over threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and alleged attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, while refraining from blaming the United States and Israel for the ongoing regional conflict.
Speaking during a virtual meeting with leaders from the Middle East and the European Union on Monday, al-Sharaa said Iran had repeatedly attempted to destabilize Arab capitals and interfere with the core of national security across the region. The remarks were reported by Syria’s state news agency Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
He warned that closing the Strait of Hormuz and targeting energy infrastructure in the Gulf would pose a direct threat to the stability of the global economy. Representatives from Gulf countries, as well as Turkey, Jordan and Iraq, also joined the conference.
Al-Sharaa praised the roles of Iraq and Lebanon in maintaining regional stability. He expressed full support for Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s initiative to disarm Hezbollah, saying the move was essential for protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring regional stability.
During the Syrian Civil War, Hezbollah and Iran-backed Iraqi militias fought alongside former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebel groups, including al-Sharaa’s faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Analysts say the latest remarks reflect a significant departure from the previous government’s close alignment with Tehran.
According to Randa Slim, a fellow at the SAIS Foreign Policy Institute, Syria’s new leadership is seeking to avoid confrontation with Washington. She suggested that the decision not to criticize the United States may be aimed at improving the chances of receiving American financial assistance.
Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, said Damascus is trying to present itself as a stable and responsible state in the Middle East.
Since al-Sharaa took power in late 2024, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have pledged billions of dollars in investments in Syria. In February, Damascus signed investment agreements worth more than $5 billion with Saudi Arabia, including a project to develop Aleppo International Airport. Major deals have also been reached with United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Meanwhile, Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned Tehran after a missile attack in Saudi Arabia on Sunday killed two Bangladeshi nationals. The Britain-based monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that missiles and drones have been landing almost daily in southern Syria amid the escalating conflict.
According to the World Bank, rebuilding war-torn Syria after 14 years of conflict will require about $216 billion. Analysts say securing the support of Gulf countries and maintaining regional stability will be crucial for Syria’s reconstruction and economic recovery.
