Iran sets conditions for withdrawal of forces from Syria

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on August 4 that Iran could reduce its military presence in Syria, or even withdraw its forces from the country, after the situation in Syria is stabilized and the fight against terrorism brings significant results.

Speaking in an interview with Iran's PANA news agency, Mr. Qassemi affirmed: "As soon as we see that Syria is close to achieving stability and the war against terrorism is coming to an end and achieving significant results, we can reduce the presence of advisers in Syria or even withdraw from the country."

However, Mr. Qassemi also pointed out that Iran will maintain its presence in Syria as long as the Syrian government wants it. This diplomat also emphasized that in addition to supporting the Syrian government, the fight against terrorism is also one of the main tasks of Iranian forces in Syria.

Earlier in July, Ali Akbar Velayati, Senior Adviser on International Affairs to the Grand Ayatollah of Iran, affirmed that Iranian forces will be present in Syria and Iraq at the request of the legitimate governments of these countries and will not leave despite threats from the US. Velayati emphasized that Iran's presence in Syria is coordinated with Russia and the Syrian government, and has nothing to do with Israel. It is known that Iran, along with Russia and Türkiye, are the guarantors of the ceasefire agreement in Syria.