TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Dec 1 that he will travel to Damascus to reaffirm Tehran’s firm support for Syria’s government and armed forces following significant territorial losses to rebel forces in Aleppo.
Tehran, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has long provided military advisors and training to support Damascus during the civil war that began in 2011. “I am going to Damascus to convey the Islamic Republic’s message of unwavering support for the Syrian government and army,” Araghchi said, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
The announcement comes after Islamist-led rebel groups seized Aleppo’s airport and dozens of surrounding towns on Nov 30, marking a dramatic escalation. The Syrian army confirmed the loss of “large parts” of the city, reporting heavy casualties among its forces.
Araghchi condemned the rebel offensive as a plot orchestrated by the United States and Israel, asserting, “The Syrian army will once again prevail over these terrorist groups as in the past.”
Iranian Losses and Regional Implications
On Nov 28, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps general was reportedly killed in the Aleppo clashes, highlighting Tehran’s deep involvement in the conflict. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry reported an attack on its consulate in Aleppo, though consulate staff were confirmed to be safe.
Araghchi also announced plans to meet Turkish officials in Ankara after his visit to Damascus. Turkey, a party to a 2020 Russian-brokered truce in Syria’s north-western Idlib region, has seen the ceasefire crumble amid the rebel offensive. The offensive began on Nov 27, coinciding with a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon.
Iran-backed Hezbollah has played a significant role in supporting Assad’s forces during the war, which saw the Syrian government regain control of Aleppo in 2016 with the assistance of Russian and Iranian allies.