Fears of Iranian Retaliation Weigh on Exhausted Syrians

A Druze Sheikh near a Syrian army position in Quneitra, Golan Heights, on July 30 (AP)
A Druze Sheikh near a Syrian army position in Quneitra, Golan Heights, on July 30 (AP)
TT
20

Fears of Iranian Retaliation Weigh on Exhausted Syrians

A Druze Sheikh near a Syrian army position in Quneitra, Golan Heights, on July 30 (AP)
A Druze Sheikh near a Syrian army position in Quneitra, Golan Heights, on July 30 (AP)

Damascus remains unclear about its official stance on a possible Iranian retaliation against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
State media has avoided discussing the potential fallout, even though there is speculation that Iran might use Syrian airspace and territory for any response.
Syrian analysts told Asharq Al-Awsat that Tehran seems to be overstating its plans for retaliation, especially compared to its actions in April when it launched drones and missiles after senior military leaders were killed in a strike on its consulate in Damascus.
They suggest that Iran is looking to strengthen its negotiating position with Washington and the international community and is unlikely to risk a major conflict that could result in significant losses, particularly to its nuclear program.
The analysts also noted that Iran might rely on its regional allies in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen for its response.
Damascus, worn out from years of conflict, understands this but feels unable to either distance itself publicly or fully commit to any actions, except reluctantly.
There are concerns that Iran could use southern Syria as a base for retaliation, which might disrupt ceasefire agreements and reignite conflict with Israel. Analysts also warn that any decision Damascus makes could have serious consequences.
Fears of an imminent Iranian response are causing Syrian markets to freeze, with many people anxiously waiting for news.
Journalists in Damascus are working late, expecting any moment to see the start of a potential conflict that could push Syria back to conditions from a decade ago.
In border areas near Iraq and Lebanon, people are scared of being affected by an Iranian strike on Israel.
In western Homs, where the Iran-aligned Hezbollah group is active, locals say that “Iranians and Hezbollah are secretly moving into civilian areas, only becoming known when Israel targets them.”



Türkiye Says Hamas Would be More Open to Deal Seeking Lasting Peace with Israel

Palestinians inspect the damage caused by an Israeli strike in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Tuesday. (AP)
Palestinians inspect the damage caused by an Israeli strike in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Tuesday. (AP)
TT
20

Türkiye Says Hamas Would be More Open to Deal Seeking Lasting Peace with Israel

Palestinians inspect the damage caused by an Israeli strike in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Tuesday. (AP)
Palestinians inspect the damage caused by an Israeli strike in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Tuesday. (AP)

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Sunday that talks with Palestinian militant group Hamas in recent days had shown the group would be more open to an agreement that goes beyond a ceasefire in Gaza and aims for a lasting solution to the crisis with Israel.

On April 19, Fidan and Türkiye's intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, held talks with Hamas officials in Ankara to discuss the latest efforts for a ceasefire and the situation in Gaza, Reuters reported.

Speaking in Doha, Fidan said those talks showed Hamas would be more willing to sign a deal that also addresses the issue of occupied Palestinian territories and other issues.

He also noted that the crisis could be turned into an opportunity to implement the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.