Iran’s foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that the country is awaiting “necessary conditions” before reopening its embassy in Syria, following the vandalism of the diplomatic mission in the wake of the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking to reporters, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated, “The reopening of the embassy in Damascus requires preparations, the most important of which is ensuring the security and safety of the embassy and its staff.” However, he did not provide a specific timeline for the embassy's resumption of operations.

The Iranian embassy in Damascus was ransacked after its diplomats abandoned the premises during the swift takeover of the Syrian capital by rebel forces. The rebels ousted Assad on December 8 after a rapid advance that marked a turning point in the country’s prolonged civil war.

Shift in policy

Iran, a longstanding ally of Assad during the Syrian conflict that began in 2011, had supported his regime by deploying “military advisers” at the government’s request. However, with Assad’s removal from power, Tehran has sought to recalibrate its stance, emphasizing the broader relationship between the two nations rather than its ties to the deposed leader.

Baqaei reinforced this narrative, stating, “We were never in Syria to support a specific person, group or party. Our presence in Syria was fundamental and principled, and our withdrawal was responsible.”

He also highlighted that Iran’s advisory presence in Syria was initiated “at the invitation of the government,” underlining Tehran’s adherence to international norms.

Criticism of Israel

During his remarks, Baqaei took aim at Iran’s regional rival, Israel, accusing it of undermining Syria’s sovereignty. “Israel has severely violated Syria’s territorial integrity,” he said, referring to hundreds of Israeli airstrikes in Syria and its military incursions into a UN-monitored buffer zone.

Iran’s efforts to restore its diplomatic presence in Syria come amid heightened tensions in the region and ongoing geopolitical shifts following Assad’s ouster. Tehran’s recalibrated approach signals its intent to maintain influence in post-Assad Syria while navigating a complex regional landscape.