THERAN - The Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani has expressed Tehran’s readiness to reopen its embassy in Damascus, amid challenges facing Syria two weeks after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants took over the Arab country.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Mohajerani stated that Iran would pursue the matter through diplomatic channels.
“Our approach to reopening embassies is diplomatic, as it always has been, and we stand ready for this,” she said.
“They are also prepared, and we are currently engaged in diplomatic talks for the reopening of embassies,” she added.
After HTS militants seized control of Syria on December 8, which brought an end to Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year presidency, the country continues to face significant challenges on both national and international fronts.
Syria’s stability and future are threatened by various factors, including Israel’s illegal occupation of Syrian territory, driven by its expansionist policies, and the persistent presence of the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are backed by the US, in the country’s northern regions.
Additional challenges stem from the perpetration of human rights violations against minority groups by HTS militants, as well as escalating humanitarian crises, such as Syria’s worsening food insecurity.
Mohajerani, echoing previous statements by other Iranian officials, stressed the importance of a Syrian government based on the popular vote of its citizens, describing it as a key concern for Iran.
“Iran prioritizes safeguarding Syria’s territorial integrity as a critical issue,” she said.
Another critical concern, she noted, is preventing the rise and expansion of terrorism, as it significantly impacts both Syria and the entire region.
“Iran’s objective is to protect Syria from the adverse effects of terrorism while ensuring that neighboring countries remain unharmed,” the spokeswoman highlighted.
During a weekly press briefing in Tehran on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also emphasized the Islamic Republic’s unwavering commitment
  to preserve Syria’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He asserted that the Syrian people hold the exclusive right to decide their fate free from foreign interference.
“It is crucial to ensure that Syria does not become a breeding ground for terrorism and that all nations recognize the potential consequences of regional instability, as insecurity in one country can easily spread to others in the region,” Baghaei pointed out.
He also stated that the continued presence of American military forces in Syria undermines efforts to protect the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
He urged all nations concerned about Syria’s future to adopt a clear position on this issue.