Iran Urges Inclusive Government, Respect for Syria’s Sovereignty

Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, addressed the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, reaffirming Iran’s unwavering commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.

“The Syrian people must exclusively decide their country’s future without any external interference or imposition,” Iravani stated.

“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 emphasized that drafting a new constitution is a "key priority" in Syria and will serve as the foundation for the country's future governance.

Referring to Iran’s “legal” presence in Syria, requested by the former Syrian government, Iravani explained, “Iran participated in an advisory capacity to combat terrorism, aiming to prevent insecurity from spreading throughout the region.”

He highlighted Iran’s responsible withdrawal from Syria, ensuring minimal impact on the Syrian population.

However, he stressed that achieving peace, stability, and security in Syria, ending foreign occupation, and eradicating terrorism remain central to Iran’s foreign policy.

Iravani expressed concern over Syria’s economic and humanitarian challenges, noting that over 1.1 million people, mostly women and children, have been displaced since late November 2024.

He praised the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners for their efforts in alleviating the Syrian people’s suffering, emphasizing the need to rebuild critical infrastructure, restore essential services, and facilitate the safe return of refugees and displaced persons.

Iravani condemned unilateral sanctions imposed by Western nations, calling them “extraterritorial, unilateral, unjust, and illegal.” He urged the removal of these sanctions, which he said harm vulnerable populations and violate fundamental rights.

He also called for the protection of minorities in Syria, including Alawites, Shias, and Christians, and underscored the importance of safeguarding diplomatic personnel and premises under international law.

Addressing terrorism, Iravani voiced concern over the resurgence of sleeper cells linked to al-Qaeda and Daesh, warning of the threat posed by over 60 armed groups, including foreign terrorist fighters.

He urged swift action on the fate of thousands of Daesh-affiliated militants held in northeastern Syria, advocating for their repatriation and prosecution to ensure accountability.

Iravani described Israel as “the most significant threat” to Syria’s present and future, saying the occupying regime continues violations of the Arab country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, by various means, including military aggression and ongoing occupation of Syrian territories.

Pointing to Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the occupied Golan Heights in defiance of Security Council Resolution 497 (1981), he said, “With US support and exploiting Syria’s situation, Israel has expanded its occupation by occupying over 500 additional square kilometers of Syrian territory and systematically destroying nearly all of Syria’s military and research infrastructure.”

Israel is flagrantly violating international law, the UN Charter, and relevant Security Council resolutions, he added, urging the world body to “take decisive action to halt these violations and hold Israel accountable for its destabilizing actions.”

The Israeli regime has occupied some 600 kilometers of Syrian territory since the government of former president Bashar al-Assad was toppled last month by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants.

The militants took control of Damascus on December 8 and declared an end to Assad’s rule in a surprise offensive that was launched from their stronghold in northwestern Syria, reaching the capital in less than two weeks.

He concluded by affirming Iran’s willingness to collaborate with the United Nations, regional partners, and a Syrian government representing the people’s will to achieve lasting peace and stability in Syria and the broader region.