Ali Akbar Velayati, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned of an imminent civil war in Syria, criticizing Turkey’s portrayal of the situation. He emphasized Tehran’s stance on diplomatic norms and highlighted ongoing tensions due to mutual accusations, particularly concerning their roles in the Syrian conflict.
On Wednesday, Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, issued a warning regarding the risk of a potential civil war in Syria. He cautioned against what he termed as Turkey’s “exaggerations,” emphasizing that “a civil war could break out in Syria at any moment” and that predicting the nation’s future remains extremely difficult given the current conditions.
Velayati underscored the need for Turkish officials to observe diplomatic conduct, asserting that Tehran “will not remain silent” in the face of Ankara’s statements. This statement highlights escalating tensions in Turkish-Iranian relations, which have been strained since the previous Syrian regime’s collapse, largely attributed to Turkey’s support for opposition groups aiming to unseat Bashar al-Assad.
Additionally, tensions have been exacerbated by mutual allegations, as Ankara has not discounted Iran’s supposed role in stirring unrest among certain factions, especially in areas with a majority of Alawite residents. These diplomatic strains resulted in the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoning Iran’s chargé d’affaires, following Tehran’s summoning of Turkey’s Ambassador Hicabi Kırlangıç, illustrating the growing friction between the two nations.
In summary, Ali Akbar Velayati’s statements regarding the risk of civil war in Syria and his critiques of Turkey’s approach reflect heightened tensions between Tehran and Ankara. The ongoing accusations and diplomatic maneuvers underscore the fragile nature of their bilateral relations in the context of the Syrian conflict.
Original Source: shafaq.com
