Iran communicated to the UN Security Council its backing for the establishment of an inclusive government in Syria

Iran has officially communicated to the United Nations Security Council its endorsement for establishing an “inclusive” government in Syria, advocating the process be achieved via “free elections” and a “comprehensive national dialogue.”

During a Security Council meeting focusing on “The Situation in the Middle East: Syria” held on Wednesday, Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Saeid Iravani, highlighted the ongoing significant humanitarian and economic challenges facing Syria.

Read the transcript of Ambassador Iravani’s statement below.

In an invocation of divine compassion and mercy,

President [Last Name],

I extend my sincerest congratulations to China as it takes on the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the current month. Additionally, I offer my warm commendations to Algeria for its effective leadership and the successful conclusion of its term as President in January.

Gratitude was extended to Mr. Pedersen, the Special Envoy, and Ms. Joyce Msuya, the Assistant Secretary-General, for their informative briefings and steadfast support for the United Nations’ proactive engagement with Syria’s interim authorities aimed at enhancing conditions within the country.

President [Last Name],

Amid the unfolding circumstances in Syria, several key points merit attention:

Syria is grappling with substantial humanitarian and economic difficulties that necessitate urgent action. To tackle these challenges, a focus on rebuilding crucial infrastructure and reinstating essential services is imperative, with early recovery projects being key to Syria’s restoration initiatives. Nonetheless, these reconstruction efforts are significantly impeded by the extraterritorial sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, which have been criticized as unjust and unlawful. While temporary reprieves or limited humanitarian exemptions exist, they fall short of offering a viable solution. A complete lifting of these sanctions, which disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities, infringe upon Syrians’ fundamental rights, and obstruct national recovery, is demanded. Furthermore, eliminating these punitive measures is deemed vital for establishing the conditions conducive to the safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation of Syrian refugees and displaced individuals.

The resurgence of terrorist activities in Syria represents a rapidly growing threat, heightening concerns about regional and global security. The involvement of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) with diverse and often conflicting objectives has further destabilized the region. According to the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, there is a persistent worry that stockpiles of advanced weaponry could be acquired by terrorist groups. Approximately 42,500 individuals, some allegedly affiliated with Da’esh, are currently held in detention camps in northeastern Syria. Establishing a structured and accountable repatriation process is crucial for restoring stability within Syria and the surrounding areas. It is imperative that FTFs are returned to their home countries, where they can be held accountable through legal measures, thereby mitigating potential future threats. Iran has reaffirmed its strong commitment to fighting terrorism and expressed its willingness to collaborate with legitimate international partners to address this pressing issue.

All communities must have their rights fully upheld in line with international law, and any political pressure or harassment intended to displace minorities in Syria, including Alawites and Shiites, must be brought to an immediate halt. The protection of Syria’s religious sites remains essential to maintaining the nation’s identity and unity. Accordingly, all communities should have unrestricted access to their religious sites and be allowed to practice their rituals openly, free from persecution, intimidation, or arrest.

Israel continues to pose a significant challenge to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to allegations of repeated violations. Despite various United Nations Security Council resolutions, Israel maintains its presence in the occupied Golan Heights, declining to withdraw. With backing from the United States, Israel is accused of extending its occupation and systematically undermining Syria’s military and research capabilities. There are calls for the Security Council to take decisive measures to halt these violations and to urge Israel to relinquish control of all occupied Syrian territories.

Iran has reiterated its steadfast support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. Tehran asserts that the future of Syria should be decided exclusively by its citizens, without any external meddling or coercion. The Iranian government backs the establishment of an inclusive Syrian government through democratic elections and broad national dialogue, guaranteeing fair representation for all Syrians. Iran points to UN Resolution 2254 (2015) as a framework that prioritizes constitutional reform. Moreover, Iran emphasizes Syria’s rightful position within the international community and has pledged to uphold both international and bilateral commitments, while protecting its sovereignty.

The representative from Iran has strongly refuted the allegations made by the United States, describing them as baseless and misleading. According to the Iranian official, these claims are designed to misrepresent the situation and sway international opinion. The remarks were made in response to assertions routinely directed at Iran during Security Council sessions, which Iran attributes to directives from Washington. The official emphasized that the United States has, for years, compromised Syria’s sovereignty under the guise of counterterrorism efforts, allegedly supporting terrorist factions and Israel to fulfill its geopolitical objectives. Iran maintains that the evidence contradicts the U.S. accusations.

In summary, Iran is committed to serving a constructive role in collaboration with the United Nations, regional allies, and the Syrian government, aligning with the interests of the Syrian populace, to secure enduring peace and stability in Syria and the surrounding areas. In this regard, Iran expresses full support for the initiatives led by UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and emphasizes the necessity for the United Nations to maintain a pivotal position in this endeavor.

We appreciate your gratitude.