Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visit to Turkey was marked by accusations against Turkey for allegedly aiding Syrian rebels in Aleppo. Following discussions, Turkey vehemently denied such claims, asserting its commitment to a diplomatic resolution. Araghchi suggested Iran may consider troop deployment if requested by Syria, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the Syrian conflict and the complex interplay between regional powers.
On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Ankara was marked by significant tension, as he accused Turkey of facilitating a Syrian rebel offensive aimed at capturing Aleppo. This visit followed Araghchi’s meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, where he reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering support for Damascus amidst ongoing conflict. Contrary to expectations, Araghchi did not convey a diplomatic message from Assad. Instead, he expressed Iran’s frustrations, suggesting Turkey’s betrayal by allegedly backing the rebels, while reiterating Tehran’s commitment to support Assad under any circumstances.
Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, refuted claims of Turkish support for the Syrian opposition and criticized Iran and Assad’s lack of genuine engagement in peace negotiations. Fidan emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the Assad regime’s oppression of its populace, and reiterated Ankara’s commitment to diplomatic solutions, highlighting the necessity for dialogue between the Syrian regime and opposition.
In a notable escalation, Araghchi declared that Iran might consider deploying troops to Syria if such a request came from Damascus. He later called for an urgent meeting involving Turkish, Iranian, and Russian foreign ministers to discuss the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored the need for a legitimate political process involving the Syrian regime to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The recent tensions between Iran and Turkey stem from the escalating civil conflict in Syria, particularly as rebel forces intensify their efforts to seize control of Aleppo. Iran, a staunch ally of the Assad regime, is deeply concerned about Turkish involvement and perceived support for Syrian rebels, which it views as a direct threat to its strategic interests in the region. Turkey, on the other hand, has maintained a position of facilitating dialogue and insisting on genuine negotiations that include the opposition in Syria. The dynamics of Middle Eastern politics, particularly the roles of Iran and Turkey in influencing the outcomes in Syria, are complex and fraught with historical grievances, making diplomatic engagements critical yet challenging.
In conclusion, the recent meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Turkish officials highlights the deepening rift between Iran and Turkey over the Syrian conflict. While Araghchi sought to voice Iran’s frustrations regarding support for Syrian rebels, Turkish officials denied these accusations and emphasized the need for a collaborative and pragmatic approach to resolve the ongoing crisis. The call for further diplomatic engagement and the potential for Iranian troop deployment will likely escalate tensions further, necessitating careful navigation in future discussions.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
