No Rush to Restore Relations with Syria, Iran’s Foreign Minister Says

The Islamic Republic's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said relations between Iran and Syria have been severed and that Tehran is not rushing to restore ties.

“Currently, there are no relations between Tehran and Damascus,” Araghchi said.

He added, “We are in no hurry for relations either. Whenever the Syrian government concludes that relations with Iran can help the people of this country, we will respond.”

It was the first time an Iranian official stated that ties ended after Assad’s fall.

Araghchi welcomed recent U.S. sanctions exemptions for Syria, saying Iran was “happy that U.S. sanctions against the Syrian people have been lifted.”

The Islamic Republic spent billions of dollars supporting Assad’s government over more than a decade and played a major role in suppressing Syrian opposition forces.

Iranian officials are now acknowledging that Damascus shows no interest in continuing relations with Tehran.