Iran’s flights to Syria will remain suspended until January 22, following the departure of President Bashar al-Assad amid a rebel offensive. The Civil Aviation Organisation of Iran stated that flights cannot resume until necessary entry permits are granted by Syria’s new ruling authority. The halt reflects increased tensions and uncertainty in the Iranian-Syrian relationship after significant political changes in Syria.
Iranian flights to Syria are set to remain suspended until late January, as reported by local media outlets. Hossein Pourfarzaneh, the head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, indicated that permission for flights is contingent upon receiving necessary entry and admission approvals from Syria. The suspension follows significant political upheaval, specifically the departure of long-time ally President Bashar al-Assad, as rebel forces captured Damascus earlier this month. The lack of flights highlights ongoing tensions and shifts in the Iranian-Syrian relationship following HTS’s takeover.
The suspension of Iranian flights to Syria occurs in the context of sweeping changes in Syria’s political landscape. President Bashar al-Assad, once a close ally of Tehran, fled amid a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Iran has historically provided military and political support to Assad, contributing significantly during Syria’s civil war. However, with Assad’s regime in disarray and the emergence of new leadership, Iran faces challenges in securing its interests in the region, suggesting a diminished influence over Syria’s governance.
In summary, Iranian flights to Syria are halted until January 22 due to the political turmoil following the removal of President Assad. The situation reflects broader geopolitical shifts, with Iran’s traditional support for Assad now being called into question under the new authority in Syria. This development signals a significant transformation in Iranian-Syrian relations and emphasizes the challenges Iran now faces in maintaining its interests in the region.
Original Source: jordantimes.com