Larijani Concludes Syria Tour... Discusses Israeli Threats to Damascus
Choosing Larijani as Iranian Supreme Leader's Special Envoy Reflects Current Phase's Sensitivity and Importance of Tehran's Message Amid Regional Escalation
November 19, 2024, 6:50 pm

Larijani Concludes Syria Tour... Discusses Israeli Threats to Damascus

علي لاريجاني

The Iranian Supreme Leader's envoy and former Iranian Parliament Speaker, Ali Larijani, completed his diplomatic tour in Syria and Lebanon, returning to Tehran yesterday evening.

The diplomatic mission's importance emerged following Israeli threats to Syrian regime leader Bashar al-Assad, with Larijani being chosen as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's special envoy.

The tour included first visiting Syria, followed by Lebanon, aiming to deliver Iran's "political-security" message, according to the Farsi-speaking website "Ruidad 24."

The website revealed Larijani held important meetings, including two meetings with Syrian regime leader Bashar al-Assad and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Former Iranian Foreign Ministry diplomat, Abdul Reza Faraji Rad, stated that Larijani's message remains undisclosed, but its gravity was evident in Larijani's specific selection as messenger, speaking to the same website.

Faraji Rad noted ongoing negotiations involving Russia and the United States, despite escalating confrontations in Lebanon.

He explained that Israel threatened Syria and reportedly demanded closing Syria-Lebanon crossings used for Syrian aid to Lebanon, prompting an Israeli representative to visit Moscow, apparently requesting Russians pressure Assad to stop this aid.

Faraji Rad outlined Larijani's visit objectives, including conveying Tehran's message and assessing Syria's position.

In Lebanon, Larijani began discussions with officials about the ongoing peace process, confirming Iran's support for Lebanese government positions calling for immediate ceasefire.

Responding to Najib Mikati's statements denying Iran's right to intervene in Lebanese affairs, Faraji Rad clarified that Tehran doesn't intend to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs, only supporting Hezbollah.

He added that Iran doesn't seek to undermine Lebanese government decisions but supports and harmonizes with them. Faraji Rad emphasized this visit "primarily focuses on achieving peace," adding that Tehran seeks to assess the seriousness of Israeli threats to Syria.

He explained Larijani's selection to deliver the message due to his position as Iranian Supreme Leader's advisor, noting this isn't Larijani's first mission, having previously visited China with the Supreme Leader's message to the Chinese leader. Similarly, former Foreign Minister and Supreme Leader's advisor Ali Akbar Velayati previously held this role.

Notably, Syrian regime leader Bashar al-Assad continues his "self-distancing" policy despite ongoing escalation in Lebanon and repeated Israeli strikes on Syria, making no significant comment on Lebanon events since his condolence message to Lebanese Hezbollah following Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah's death in late September.

Nevertheless, Israel recently threatened to attack any attempts to transfer weapons to Lebanese Hezbollah from Syria. Israel has been conducting strikes on Iran-linked targets in Syria for years but has intensified these raids since the Israeli war on Gaza began.

Levant-Agencies

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