DAMASCUS: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday renewed his calls for ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon during a diplomatic visit to Syria where he held talks with Syrian leadership, amid escalating tensions in the region.
Speaking to reporters in Damascus, Araghchi said, “The most important issue today is the ceasefire, especially in Lebanon and in Gaza”.
“There are initiatives in this regard, there have been consultations that we hope will be successful,” he said, referring to ongoing efforts to halt hostilities between Israel and regional groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
Araghchi’s visit to Damascus marks his first trip to the Syrian capital since assuming office in August. His visit comes nearly a year after the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted in Gaza in October 2023.
The Iranian foreign minister also addressed the situation in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has been increasingly involved in clashes with Israeli forces. During a stopover in Beirut on Friday, Araghchi expressed his support for a truce in Lebanon, stating that any ceasefire must be acceptable to Hezbollah and occur “simultaneously with a ceasefire in Gaza.”
In Damascus, Araghchi met with senior Syrian officials to discuss regional developments and coordinate efforts. “The purpose of my trip to Damascus is to continue consultations regarding the developments in the region,” he said.
