Context of the Visit

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, is expected in Lebanon on Friday, with plans to visit Syria early the following week. Syrian daily Al-Watan, known for its government ties, shared that Amirabdollahian’s discussions in the region will revolve around recent developments, mainly Israel’s actions in Syria and the conflicts in Gaza. After his engagements in Lebanon and Syria, the minister is set to move on to Qatar.

Significance of Regional Talks

These visits by Iran’s Foreign Minister are significant due to Iran’s influence in the region, particularly in supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war. The talks may impact the on-going dynamics not only within Syria and Lebanon but also across the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical scene.

Background of Israel-Iran Tensions

Recently, Reuters sources reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), under pressure from Israeli strikes in Syria which resulted in casualties among senior commanders, scaled down their presence. Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to Syria has insisted that Iran remains steadfast in support of Assad’s government and would continue coordinating activities based on Syria’s needs.

Responses and Implications

This development has potential implications for Israel as the meetings could consolidate Iranian positions in Syria and Lebanon or lead to changes that could affect Israel’s security strategy. The issue gains attention especially after Israel’s military exercise near its border with Syria in November 2023.

Overall, the outcomes of talks involving Iran’s visits to Lebanon and Syria signify important shifts for regional alliances and military strategies, directly implicating Israeli interests and security considerations.

This story was first published on jpost.com.