TEHRAN- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian arrived in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Sunday to discuss issues with high-ranking Syrian officials.

On the second leg of his regional trip, Amir Abdollahian met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as well as his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad to talk about regional and bilateral issues.

He also said that during the meeting, “I am carrying an official invitation from President Raisi for a formal meeting with his Syrian counterpart in Iran.”

“I offer my condolences to the Syrian government and people for the recent military aggressions by the United States against Syria and the martyrdom of some Syrian brothers,” he added. 

During a press conference with Mekdad, they both talked about the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip, calling for an immediate end to the incursion.  
     
Additionally, he said that “we both underscored the need to follow up the implementation of the agreements inked by the presidents of both countries.”

Iran’s top diplomat said that the Israeli regime is mired in the Gaza quagmire, which has turned into a cemetery for Zionists. 

He went on to add that there is no option other than a political solution to stop the war and atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank. 

“Iran continues its efforts to prevent the forced displacement of the people of Gaza and the West Bank,” he continued. 

“Despite the continuation of crimes and war by the Zionist regime, in my meetings in Beirut and with the leaders of resistance groups in the region, I became aware of their high resilience capacity to continue the war and confront the aggression of the Zionist regime, and create stability and security in the region,” Abdollahian said, adding, “We will continue consultations and contacts with Syria and other Islamic countries to help the people of Palestine.”

He reiterated Tehran’s stance and position in standing with Syria in its fight against terrorism.      

“Gaza conflict will deliver nothing to warmongers” 

In a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut on Saturday, the Iranian minister noted that violence is not a solution to the Palestinian issue and will bear no fruit for warmongers.

He also demanded a quick stop to Israel’s attacks in Gaza.

According to Amir Abdollahian, all significant regional and international parties agree that Israel’s violent assault has failed, despite the regime’s full support from the U.S. officials.   

Washington, he argues, does not intend to broaden the scope of the region’s war, but there is no indication that the Americans are prepared to work for an end to Israel’s barbarism.

The Iranian foreign minister also remarked on U.S. and British attacks in Yemen. 

He stated that the two nations made a “strategic mistake” by violating Yemen’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

He went on to continue that the bombings on Yemen exacerbate the regional and Red Sea crises.

According to the minister, Iran’s foreign policy objective includes assistance for the Palestinian resistance.

Given Lebanon’s support for Palestine, Amir Abdollahian voiced Tehran’s appreciation for the Lebanese people. 

He also underlined that Iran will try to promote the political process and stability in Lebanon.

During the meeting, Berri hailed Iran for supporting Lebanon, calling for more efforts to spell the end of war against the Palestinians and establish ceasefire. 

The Lebanese official said Beirut supports any agreement among the Palestinian groups to run their territories.

“Iran vehemently backs stability of Lebanon”   

In a separate meeting with Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Beirut on Saturday, Amir Abdollahian reiterated Tehran’s solid support for the augmentation of stability in Lebanon.

The top Iranian diplomat added that Tehran has gone to great lengths over the past few months to put an end to Israel’s brutality in Gaza and thwart the spillover of the conflict.

Abdollahian pointed out that the Palestinians are sole owners of Palestine, adding that “we know they have political plans and initiatives for the post-war phase as well.”

Mikati said in the meeting that more needs to be done to establish an immediate ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip.

“Peace will be restored in case of ending Israeli onslaught on Gaza” 

Addressing a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib in Beirut on Saturday, Amir Abdollahian said that peace will be restored to West Asia if Israel stops its war in Gaza.

The Iranian minister emphasized the obvious truth that the United States continues to supply weapons to Israel throughout its barbaric war on the beleaguered Gaza Strip.

Amir Abdollahian also pointed out the absurdity of the U.S. speaking about seeking a political solution to the Gaza issue. 

Pointing to his “good” conversations with Lebanese authorities on bilateral and regional matters, the Iranian minister stated that Tehran and Beirut have long opposed the extension of conflict in the region.

The top Iranian diplomat also averred that what Hamas did both in fighting the crimes of Israel and pursuing a political path is truly “wise and careful.”

“It is clear to the world that more than four months of war in Gaza and the West Bank have led to no tangible result for Israel and its supporters,” he continued. 

The Lebanese foreign minister, for his part, stated that Tehran and Beirut believe that all nations should work to cease the current assault in Gaza and send humanitarian relief to the war-torn Palestinians.

Bou Habib said in talks with his Iranian counterpart, the two sides discussed the necessity to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 on stability in Lebanon.

 Iran FM meets Hezbollah Leader, Palestinian groups

The Iranian foreign minister met with Lebanese Hezbollah leader Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah and leaders of Palestinian resistance groups during a visit to Beirut, discussing the Gaza conflict, the Palestine issue, and regional developments.

Nasrallah expressed gratitude for Iran’s support for the Palestinians, and emphasized the strength and cooperation of resistance groups in Gaza. 

He asserted that Israel faces a strategic impasse and has not achieved its objectives. 

Calling resistance a key factor in regional dynamics, he expressed confidence in a Palestinian victory.

Amir Abdollahian also met with the leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. 

They discussed the situation in Gaza, highlighting resistance successes and emphasizing the growing pressure on Israel. 

The Palestinian leaders praised Iran’s support and called for Palestinian unity in managing the conflict, political landscape, and post-conflict recovery.