Iranian Defense Minister: Washington is responsible for destabilizing Syria and displacing millions of Syrians

On Monday, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani accused the United States of destabilizing Syria and being responsible for the displacement of millions of Syrian citizens.

IRNA quoted Ashtiani as saying, during a meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Ali Mahmoud Abbas, in Tehran: “The American military presence in Syria is occupier, illegal, and unjustified, and clearly violates the basic norms and principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations... and America’s destructive performance in the western region.” Asia, especially in Syria, has led to destabilization, insecurity and the displacement of millions of Syrians.”

He added, "The United States and the Zionist entity are seeking to escalate the crisis and tension in the region and the Zionist entity is continuing its crimes in Gaza by escalating tensions in the region and shifting public opinion towards these tensions regional developments and the importance of relations between the two countries require both sides to consult each other in a manner continuous".

Ashtiani condemned the Israeli air strikes on Syria and the violation of its territorial integrity. He stressed that "any mistake or strategic adventure on the part of the United States and the Zionist entity will lead to aggravation of the situation in the region." He also stressed his country's readiness to use all its capabilities and powers to stand by the Syrian government, in order to improve Syria's defensive and deterrent power.

In turn, Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas explained that “the American presence in Syria is illegal and has become a base for supporting separatist and terrorist groups,” adding that “resistance and steadfastness, increasing defense capabilities and enhancing bilateral cooperation are the best ways to deter enemies, and this doubles the need for cooperation and solidarity between the two countries against... "Enemies."

Since the start of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip on October 7 last year, the Israeli army has carried out several strikes in Syria and Lebanon, targeting leaders of Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

Tensions escalated in the region following the Israeli escalation in the Gaza Strip, and Israel accused "Tehran of pushing its agents in the Middle East, especially Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Ansar Allah in Yemen, to target Israeli interests."