Iran praises Türkiye’s ‘key’ role in Astana process for Syria

By Mustafa Melih Ahishali

ISTANBUL (AA) - Iran on Monday praised Türkiye’s “key role” in the Astana process in reducing tensions in Syria.

Speaking at a weekly press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaee emphasized the significance of the Astana process in de-escalating tensions in Syria, saying: “Türkiye has a key role in the Astana process.”

“It has played a beneficial and constructive role in reducing tensions in Syria,” he stressed, noting: “This process must continue, and we should utilize it to improve the situation in Syria.”

Baghaee underscored that the Astana process remains the most enduring and effective mechanism for managing the crisis in the war-torn country.

“As part of the Astana process, Türkiye, Iran, and Syria have made significant efforts to reduce regional tensions,” he recalled.

“The three guarantor countries have taken steps to control these tensions,” the spokesperson said. “The Astana process remains active, and the international community recognizes its impact.”

On Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Ankara, the official said his meetings will focus on counter-terrorism efforts.

The Astana format talks were launched in 2017 under the guarantors Türkiye, Russia, and Iran to resolve the Syrian civil war, which began in early 2011.

Clashes broke out on Nov. 27 between Assad regime forces and anti-regime armed groups in the western countryside of Aleppo in northern Syria, marking a re-escalation of the fighting after a period of relative calm in the civil war that has gripped Syria since it erupted in 2011.

*Writing by Merve Berker