Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi renewed his appeal for ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon on Saturday, during discussions with Syria, a key ally.
“The most important issue today is the ceasefire, especially in Lebanon and in Gaza,” Araghchi said, expressing optimism that ongoing consultations would lead to positive results.
Syrian President Bashar Assad, in his remarks, labeled Iran’s missile strike on Israel earlier this week as a “lesson” for the Israeli state. The missile attack came just days after Israel killed the leader of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group. Assad said the strike was a “strong response” to Israel’s actions.
Araghchi’s visit to Damascus marks his first since taking office in August, and follows a year of escalating conflict in Gaza after Hamas’s attack on Israel. Araghchi also visited Beirut, where he called for a ceasefire in Lebanon that would be acceptable to Hezbollah, alongside a simultaneous truce in Gaza.
The visit to Damascus follows Israeli airstrikes that severed the main highway between Lebanon and Syria, targeting what Israel said were weapon supplies headed to Hezbollah. Iran remains a key supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad amid the ongoing regional conflicts.
