Syria plans $300 billion compensation demand from Iran over conflict damage
People look out of a window of the Iranian embassy in Damascus on April 2, 2024. (AFP Photo)
A source close to Syria’s new political administration has denied any communication between the administration and Iran, including discussions related to reopening embassies in Damascus and Tehran.
The statement, given to Al-Modon, directly refutes remarks made earlier by Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani regarding ongoing diplomatic talks.
The source emphasized that “communication with Iran is completely severed,” rejecting Mohajerani’s claims of diplomatic exchanges. They also clarified that the administration has no immediate plans to engage with Iran concerning the reopening of either the Iranian Embassy in Damascus or the Syrian Consulate in Aleppo.
Syria’s $300 billion compensation plan
In addition to distancing itself from Iran, the source revealed that Syria’s new administration is preparing a memorandum to be submitted to international courts.
The document will reportedly demand $300 billion in compensation from Iran for damages inflicted upon the Syrian people and infrastructure during Iran’s military and political support for ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
The source labeled Iran’s actions as “criminal and arbitrary” and underscored the administration’s intent to hold Tehran accountable for its role in the Syrian conflict.
Contradictory statements from Iran
Mohajerani’s comments were delivered during a weekly press conference on Tuesday, where she reaffirmed Iran’s interest in cooperating with a “government based on the popular will of the Syrian people.” She also highlighted Iran’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and regional stability, stating that preventing terrorism remains a top priority.
Regarding the reopening of embassies, Mohajerani said, “Our approach is based on diplomacy, and we are ready. They [the Syrian administration] are also ready, and we are holding diplomatic discussions to reopen embassies in both countries.”
However, her remarks appeared inconsistent with statements made a day earlier by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. Baghaei noted that while Tehran engages with various Syrian opposition groups, there is no direct contact with the “ruling movement” in Syria, a likely reference to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
When asked if Iran had communicated with the Syrian administration via Türkiye, Baghaei stated, “We meet with various parties to address all concerns, and the Syrian issue has been part of the discussions between Iran and Türkiye.”
