Astana Process' Continuation Depends on Iran, Turkey, and Russia: Iranian FM

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a press briefing in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, July 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the continuation of the Astana process for Syria hinges on the ongoing developments within the country and the decisions made by Iran, Russia, and Turkey, The Caspian Post reports citing IRNA.

In remarks after a closed session of the Iranian Parliament on the developments in Syria on Monday, Araghchi said he presented a report to the lawmakers on the diplomatic activities carried out over the past few days, especially the Saturday meeting in Doha.

He explained that the Astana peace process has never included the Syrian government and only gathered Iran, Turkiye, and Russia.

“Whether this process will continue in the future or not depends on the developments and decisions of the three countries,” he said.

Araghchi added that other Arab countries have never been part of the Astana process either. 

Early on Sunday, the government of Bashar al-Assad fell after armed groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of the capital Damascus, the seat of Assad's government. 

It came less than two weeks after the groups began their attacks across Syria and soon advanced toward Damascus.