CAIRO/DUBAI – Syria’s newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, on Tuesday urged Iran to respect Syria’s sovereignty and avoid spreading chaos in the country, as tensions rise following recent remarks by Iranian leaders.
In a post on X, Shibani stated: “Iran must respect the will of the Syrian people and the country’s sovereignty and security. We warn them from spreading chaos in Syria and hold them accountable for the repercussions of the latest remarks.” While Shibani did not elaborate on the remarks in question, his statement comes amid growing strains between Damascus and Tehran.
The warning follows a speech by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday, in which he called on Syrian youth to resist forces contributing to the country’s insecurity. “Syrian youth have nothing to lose. Their schools, universities, homes, and streets are unsafe. They must stand firmly with determination and prevail over the planners and executors of insecurity,” Khamenei said.
The shift in rhetoric comes weeks after Syrian rebels ousted President Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, ending a 13-year civil war. Assad’s fall marks a significant setback for Iran, which had heavily supported his regime with billions of dollars and military aid through its Revolutionary Guards.
Assad’s overthrow is widely regarded as a major blow to the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition opposing Israeli and U.S. influence in the region. Shibani’s comments highlight Syria’s efforts to assert its independence as it navigates its post-Assad future.
