TEHRAN – During the 21st International Meeting on Syria, Iran, Russia, and Turkey joined forces to denounce Israeli attacks on Syria, branding them as a blatant infringement of international law. 

The three nations condemned these actions as a violation of international humanitarian law, as well as an encroachment on Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They noted that these attacks not only contribute to destabilization but also escalate tensions in the region, stressing the urgent need for their cessation.

The 21st International Meeting on Syria took place in the Kazakh capital of Astana from January 24th to 25th, 2024. Iran, Russia, and Turkey serve as guarantor countries within the Astana Format. Initially launched in 2017 at the behest of these three nations, the Astana process aims to address the reduction of tensions and hostilities in war-torn Syria. In addition to representatives from Russia, Turkey, and Iran, the 21st round of the Astana format talks included delegates from Syria’s government, opposition, and the United Nations.

The Iranian delegation was led by Ali Asghar Khaji, Senior Assistant to the Iranian Foreign Minister, while the Russian and Turkish delegations were headed by Aleksandr Lavrentiyev, Special Envoy for Syria to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ahmet Yildiz, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey, respectively.

Furthermore, the trio expressed their firm commitment to continue collaborating in the fight against terrorism in all its guises and to oppose separatist agendas aimed at undermining Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also posing a threat to the national security of neighboring countries. They emphasized the importance of countering cross-border attacks and infiltrations as part of this collective effort.