TEHRAN – The acting Foreign Minister of Iran has delved into talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing resistance as the fundamental way to successfully prevent regional tensions.

Bagheri Kani, who was in Syria at the second leg of his regional tour after visiting Lebanon, met with President Assad on Tuesday.

The high-level talks delved into various aspects, including the strengthening of ties between Syria and Iran, ongoing developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as relevant regional and international issues.

During their interaction, President Assad reiterated a steadfast commitment to resistance against occupation in all its manifestations as a core principle and strategic imperative. 

He emphasized that yielding to gentleness often emboldens occupiers towards increased aggression and brutality. Furthermore, Assad highlighted how the Zionist regime intensifies its aggression against Palestinians as it faces mounting challenges from resilient Resistance movements.

In response, Bagheri reaffirmed the enduring and strategic nature of Iran-Syria relations are grounded in robust principles, shared interests, and genuine foundations. He underscored Iran's unwavering dedication to nurturing ties with Syria for mutual benefit while also serving the broader interests of regional nations and their populations.

The Iranian acting foreign minister embarked on his first visit to Syria since his appointment last month to address the urgent need to stop Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinians.

Al-Assad met Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran on May 30 to offer condolences for the death of Raisi.

The Israeli regime's ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, which was intensified after October 7 and the surprise Operation of Palestinian Resistance groups, was the main topic of discussions.

‘Iran, Syria two main pillars of stability in region’

Earlier in the day, Bagheri Kani met with Syria's foreign minister, Faisal Mekdad, and took part in a joint press conference afterwards.

The top Iranian diplomat emphasized Tehran’s unwavering support for resistance against the Israeli occupation, stressing a renewed commitment to this cause.

During the press conference, both nations reiterated their longstanding partnership and mutual dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation. 

Bagheri Kani underscored the significance of the relationship between Iran and Syria as “pivotal pillars of stability in the region.”

Addressing regional concerns, Bagheri Kani expressed solidarity with Syria on addressing the Israeli occupation as a key source of instability. The discussions also delved into recent developments in Gaza, with a focus on devising a collaborative strategy to counter Israeli aggression.

Echoing these sentiments, Foreign Minister Mekdad emphasized the excellent state of relations between Iran and Syria. He stated, “We emphasized the necessity of strengthening our ties after the visit of martyr Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Syria.”

Mekdad reaffirmed their joint efforts to halt Israeli transgressions and uphold Palestine's aspirations, a stance deeply rooted in historical ties and shared objectives.

Bagheri Kani also met with the heads of Resistance movements at the Iranian embassy in Damascus, where they underscored efforts toward stability in the region.

Hezbollah chief thanks Iran for backing the resistance movement 

In a meeting with Iran’s acting foreign minister in Beirut, the Secretary General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah Resistance movement, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, expressed his appreciation to Iran for its unwavering support towards people and Resistance movements in the region. 

Nasrallah also conveyed his gratitude to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Iranian government, and its people for their consistent pro-resistance stance despite sanctions and threats.

Nasrallah also extended his condolences over the tragic helicopter crash that led to the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. The discussions during the meeting revolved around recent political and security developments in the region, with a particular focus on the situations in Gaza and Lebanon.

Bagheri Kani's visit to Lebanon included meetings with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. Additionally, he paid respects at the burial site of Nasrallah's mother, Mahdiyya Safi al-Din, who recently passed away.

This visit marked the initial phase of a broader regional tour by Bagheri Kani that also included Syria. The Iranian diplomat emphasized that enhancing collaboration among Resistance groups against the Israeli regime is a key objective of her regional engagements.