Iran’s Foreign Minister to visit Türkiye amid escalating Syrian conflict

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Türkiye on December 2, following a trip to Syria, to engage in discussions over the escalating situation in Syria. The visit comes as Syrian rebel forces, including the al-Qaeda-linked group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have gained control of significant portions of Aleppo and Idlib following an offensive on November 27.

HTS and its allies launched an assault on Syrian government forces in western Aleppo, leading to the capture of key areas. The developments are part of a larger shift in the region’s power dynamics, as the Syrian regime faces challenges holding territory in the northwest. The situation has led to increased diplomatic efforts, with regional actors seeking to navigate the evolving conflict.

Araghchi’s visit to Türkiye is part of a broader diplomatic push, as Iran has maintained strong support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, providing military aid and strategic backing throughout the conflict. Türkiye, while opposing the Assad government, has been involved in talks on resolving the crisis, particularly through the Astana process, which includes Iran and Russia.

In addition to Araghchi’s visit, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has held phone discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. These talks have focused on the conflict in Syria, as well as the broader regional implications, including the humanitarian crisis and the status of ceasefire efforts in Gaza.