TEHRAN – The senior adviser to the Iranian Foreign Minister engaged in discussions with the special representatives from Russia and Turkey during the 22nd round of the Astana process meetings, focusing on the situation in Syria.

These bilateral discussions took place within the framework of the 22nd international Astana meetings held in Kazakhstan's capital. 

Ali Asghar Khaji, the senior advisor to the foreign minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran and responsible for special political affairs and serving as Iran's chief negotiator, and Alexander Lavrentiev, the Russian president's special representative for Syrian affairs, reviewed the current regional dynamics, particularly in light of the aggressive actions by the Zionist regime and the evolving political and military landscape in Syria.

Khaji condemned the aggressive assaults by the Zionist regime on Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, cautioning against their expansionist ambitions aimed at altering the regional power balance.

Iranian diplomat emphasized the urgent need for a collective effort to halt these attacks and to hold the Zionist regime accountable in international forums, identifying this as a primary concern for the West Asian region, especially in light of the ongoing and escalating assaults on Syria.

Alexander Lavrentiev acknowledged the precarious situation in the region due to Israel's aggressions against Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Syria, expressing his apprehension about the potential negative impacts of rising tensions on Syria's unity and stability.

In a separate official meeting, Ali Asghar Khaji also conferred with Türkiye's chief negotiator, Mustafa Yurdakol, and his accompanying delegation in Astana.

The senior advisor of Iran’s foreign minister highlighted the importance of implementing a robust strategy to address the expansionist ambitions of the Zionist regime, which are altering the realities on the ground in the region. 

Khaji also voiced his endorsement for the potential normalization of relations between Syria and Türkiye, underscoring the beneficial outcomes this development could bring in the current delicate context of the region. 

Meanwhile, the chief of the Turkish delegation expressed his apprehension regarding the ramifications of the ongoing assaults and aggressions by the Zionist regime, calling for an immediate cessation of these actions.

The Astana process, launched in 2017 by Iran, Russia, and Turkey, seeks to promote dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition factions. The recent 22nd round of discussions has once again convened significant regional players to participate in conversations, enhance collaboration, and pursue enduring solutions to the ongoing crisis in Syria. 

Iran's involvement in these talks highlights its dedication to playing a constructive role in the peace process and emphasizes the necessity of achieving a political resolution to the conflict. As developments in Syria unfold, the ongoing participation of regional powers like Iran, Russia, and Turkey will be vital in influencing the conflict's direction and the potential for a sustainable resolution.
The talks primarily focus on assessing the current situation in Syria and exploring potential avenues for resolution.