Iran Denies Reports of Evacuating Diplomats from Syria

Iran has dismissed claims that it is evacuating diplomats from Syria, amid rising tensions in the region and ongoing political instability.

Iran has refuted claims that it is evacuating its embassy in Syria amid the ongoing terrorist offensive, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Tehran and Moscow have pledged their support to assist Damascus in overcoming this unexpected advance.

On Friday, the New York Times, referencing regional sources and Iranian officials, reported that Tehran had started withdrawing its military commanders along with some diplomatic staff, their families, and other civilians from the conflict-ridden country.

Reports indicate that the evacuation encompassed both the Iranian Embassy in Damascus and bases belonging to the Revolutionary Guards. According to the newspaper, individuals have been departing through various means: by plane, overland routes leading to neighboring Lebanon and Iraq, as well as via Latakia’s port—a location known for hosting a Russian military base.

Last week, the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a faction that evolved from Jabhat al-Nusra, unexpectedly attacked government forces with its allies. They seized significant areas of territory, including portions of Aleppo and the city of Hama. In response, the Syrian military has repositioned troops to vulnerable regions with backing from Russian warplanes. Local media have reported that approximately 2,500 fighters were lost by these terrorist forces during the conflict.

Nevertheless, Ismail Baghaei, a spokesman for Tehran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has denied the reports of an evacuation.

“The report about evacuating the Islamic Republic of Iran’s embassy in Damascus is false,” he stated, according to Mehr news agency. He added that the embassy “remains operational.” Previously, he mentioned that Iranian military advisers are still assisting the Syrian military.

On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that terrorist groups attacking the Syrian military “have devised a long-term plan to create insecurity and violence in the region.” He further mentioned that Tehran and its regional allies will “enhance consultations and coordination to support the Syrian government.”

Russia has expressed its ongoing commitment to supporting President Bashar Assad’s government. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow continues to communicate with Damascus and is assessing the extent of support required for government forces “to address the militants and eliminate this threat.”