01.04.2026 01:50
Syrian President Ahmed Shara stated that his "recommendations for Iran, under attack from the US and Israel, prefer the path of negotiation over military methods." Referring to Iran's past intervention in Syria, Shara said, "Iran's intervention in Syria led to the displacement of the people. Millions were displaced, and hundreds of thousands were killed. Our problem is not with Iran, but with its presence in Syria."
Syrian President Ahmed Shara spoke at a session held at the Chatham House think tank in London, the capital of England.
CALL FOR NEGOTIATION INSTEAD OF MILITARY METHODS Shara stated that the wars in the region negatively affect energy supply and the global economy, expressing that negotiation should be preferred over military methods in issues related to Iran. He also emphasized that Syria should focus on reconstruction and the return of refugees, stating that the country could become an important economic center with strong international relations. President Shara said that war should not be entered as long as diplomacy is not exhausted.
"WE HAVE A COMMITMENT TO HOLD FREE ELECTIONS IN SYRIA" President Shara stated regarding the elections, "We held a national dialogue conference. The constitutional declaration stated that the transition period would last 5 years. During this time, the People's Assembly elections will begin. At the end of the 5 years, laws will be reviewed and free elections will be held." Shara noted that an agreement was reached on the collection of weapons under state control after reaching Damascus and overthrowing the Assad regime, and continued: "The state must take sole responsibility for the enforcement of the law. It is unacceptable for different armed groups to control regions. In this context, we had many discussions with the SDF and did not consider the military option for months. The process was shared with international actors, but the SDF acted slowly in the agreement. The U.S. did not provide military support during this process; it sought a solution. However, the SDF misjudged the opportunities. The state now has national and international legitimacy, while the SDF's legitimacy was temporary."
“OUR ISSUE IS NOT WITH IRAN, BUT WITH ITS PRESENCE IN SYRIA” Shara spoke about Iran's past intervention in Syria, saying, "Iran's intervention in Syria led to the displacement of the people. Millions were displaced, and hundreds of thousands were killed. Our issue is not with Iran, but with its presence in Syria." Ahmed Shara noted that when they reached Damascus, Israel exhibited a negative attitude towards Syria, stating, "Israel bombed many points, advanced into some areas, and violated the 1974 agreement. Nevertheless, we conducted indirect negotiations first, then direct negotiations, and made some progress, but attitudes changed in the final stage."
Emphasizing that the duty of the Syrian state is to protect its borders, Shara stated: "No respectable state leaves its borders open and allows smuggling. If weapons pass, other things will also pass. We were harmed by Hezbollah's 14-year intervention, and it played an active role alongside the regime. However, after arriving in Damascus, we made an effort not to negatively affect the situation in Lebanon. Nevertheless, we must protect our borders and prevent smuggling."
“THE SYRIAN PEOPLE ARE IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF GAZA” Regarding Gaza, Shara stated, "Syria has a common destiny with Gaza. We have experienced similar pains. Our people are in solidarity with Gaza, but at the same time, we must focus on the reconstruction of the country. We are all wounded." In response to the question of whether he is concerned about Syria being targeted after Iran, Shara replied: "Can Syria be targeted? Anything is possible in the world. However, we are trying to stay away from war. The environment is far from rational, and tensions are high. Therefore, we aim to follow the safest path to avoid being a target and to be prepared for possible attacks."