Iranian FM arrives in Damascus amid heightened tensions

Following his visit to Beirut on Friday, Araghchi landed in Damascus, where he is set to meet with Syrian officials.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a press conference in Damascus. (Photo:  Reuters)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a press conference in Damascus. (Photo: Reuters)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Damascus on Saturday to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations with Syrian officials, according to a spokesperson from Iran's Foreign Ministry.

Following his visit to Beirut on Friday, Araghchi landed in Damascus, where he is set to meet with Syrian officials.

Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit to Lebanon was the first official visit since the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah and the recent intensification of air raids across the country.

Speaking to reporters in Beirut, Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s continued support for both Lebanon and Hezbollah, stating, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has been and remains committed to supporting Lebanon and Hezbollah.”

Araghchi emphasized that Tehran is in favor of ceasefire efforts in Lebanon, provided they are backed by Hezbollah and align with the ceasefire in Gaza.

His arrival comes after a night of heavy bombardment in Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut. According to US and Israeli news sources, the strikes were aimed at Hashem Safieddine, a key figure seen as a potential successor to Nasrallah, following his assassination last week.

The airstrikes left significant damage in Hezbollah’s southern Beirut stronghold, with an AFP photographer documenting at least five destroyed buildings and a large crater in the road.

Reports from US news site Axios, citing Israeli officials, confirmed Safieddine as a target in the latest wave of Israeli strikes.