The embassy was temporarily closed following the recent takeover of the city by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Akbari stated that the embassy staff had been temporarily relocated to Beirut for security reasons and that the embassy premises were looted before HTS's arrival. Despite these challenges, Iran remains committed to maintaining its diplomatic presence in Syria.

The recent developments in Syria, particularly the rapid advance of HTS, have raised concerns about the future of the country and the region. Israel, which has been a key player in the Syrian conflict, has intensified its airstrikes on Syrian targets, particularly in Damascus and its outskirts.

Iran's ambassador highlighted the significant role of Israel in shaping the current situation in Syria. He accused Israel of aiming to weaken Syria and prevent the formation of a strong government that could challenge its interests.

The ambassador also discussed the potential impact of US involvement in the region, noting that US policies are often influenced by Israeli interests.

As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring the developments and their potential implications for regional stability. (ILKHA)