Iran's Defense Minister, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, has affirmed Iran's readiness to utilize its full capabilities to bolster Syria's defense and deterrent power against the United States and Israel. In a meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Ali Mahmoud Abbas, in Tehran, Ashtiani warned against potential plots by the US and Israel to escalate tensions across West Asia.
He condemned Israel's airstrikes against Syria, labeling them as violations of territorial integrity aimed at undermining the country's infrastructure and the livelihood of its citizens. Ashtiani attributed Israel's aggression to fear and failures within the regime, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing deterrence to counter such attacks.
Regarding the US's military presence in Syria, Ashtiani denounced it as illegitimate and in violation of international law, leading to instability and displacement of millions of Syrians. He stressed the necessity of enhancing Syria's defense capabilities and implementing bilateral agreements, underscoring the importance of ongoing consultations between the two countries amidst regional developments.
Ashtiani also highlighted the ongoing conflict in Gaza, criticizing the international community's failure to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and genocide. He asserted that Tel Aviv's intensified airstrikes against Syria since October parallel its aggression against Gaza.
In response, the Syrian Defense Minister, Ali Mahmoud Abbas, emphasized the need for resistance and enhanced defense cooperation between Tehran and Damascus to counteract enemy actions. He condemned Israel's role in exacerbating tensions in the region, particularly in Syria and Lebanon, and criticized the US's support for separatist and terrorist groups within Syria.
Ultimately, both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to mutual defense and resistance against external threats, signaling a united front against aggression from the US and Israel.
