Iran urges respect for Syria’s sovereignty, formation of inclusive government

Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani was speaking before the United Nations Security Council session on the situation in Syria in New York on Wednesday.

Iravani reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, saying it is the Syrian people who must exclusively make decisions about the war-ravaged country’s future without any external interference or imposition.

“Iran advocates for the formation of an inclusive government through free and fair elections and a comprehensive national dialogue that ensures representation for all ethnic, political, and religious groups,” the ambassador added.

He stressed the importance of drafting a new constitution as a “key priority” in Syria, which will serve as the foundation for the country’s future governance.

Pointing to Iran’s “legal” presence in Syria, which had been at the request of the former Syrian government, Iravani said, “Iran participated in an advisory capacity to combat terrorism, aiming to prevent insecurity from spreading throughout the region.”

He also defended Iran’s withdrawal from Syria, saying it was conducted in a “responsible manner, with careful consideration of potential impacts on the Syrian people.”

“Nevertheless, achieving peace, stability, and security in Syria, ending foreign occupation, and ensuring a Syria free of terrorism remain the cornerstones of Iran’s foreign policy toward the country,” the senior Iranian diplomat emphasized.

He warned about the severe economic and humanitarian challenges that the Syrian people are facing and said nearly 1.1 million people -- mostly women and children – have been displaced since November 27, 2024.