“Decisions about Syria’s future are related to the Syrian people, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will regulate its relations with any governing system emerging from the collective will of the [Syrian] people, on the basis of mutual respect and interests, and in accordance with international law,” Araghchi said on Sunday.

The top diplomat made the comments in a decree he issued to appoint Mohammad Reza Ra’ouf Sheibani as his special representative for Syria’s affairs.

“Syria is an important country in the West Asia region. Being aware of the importance of tranquility and stability in this country and its effect on regional peace and security, the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the necessity of maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity and respecting the Syrian people’s will to decide their own fate without foreign interference and presence,” the Iranian foreign minister further said.

He also noted that security and stability in the region will be achieved only through cooperation and common understanding among regional countries, and that the principled policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to maintain friendly ties with all neighboring and Islamic countries.

The top diplomat urged his new representative to negotiate with all relevant parties, including friendly countries in the region, to fulfill the assigned responsibilities and regularly report to the foreign minister.

Syria is in a transition period after the government of Bashar al-Assad fell on December 8, 2024. His government fell following a lightning offensive by armed groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that took control of major Syrian cities including the capital Damascus, which was the seat of Assad’s government.