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Iran News: Syrian Interim Government Restricts Entry of Iranian Nationals and Goods

A market in Syria

The Syrian interim government has imposed significant restrictions targeting Iran, barring Iranian nationals from entering the country and prohibiting the import of goods originating from Iran. Following the recent political transition, these measures reflect a growing distance between the new Syrian leadership and the Iranian regime.

The General Authority for Land and Maritime Crossings confirmed that goods produced in Iran, along with those from Israel and Russia, are banned from entering Syria. This directive, issued by the Ministry of Finance on January 16, 2025, underscores a broader realignment of Syria’s foreign policy after the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Additionally, airlines operating flights to Syria have been instructed not to allow Iranians to board without prior authorization. Airport sources in Damascus noted that these instructions coincide with the resumption of international flights to the country on January 7, 2025.

Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani emphasized the interim government’s stance, urging Tehran to enact “fundamental changes” in its policies while stopping short of advocating for a total severance of ties. The restrictions are part of a broader effort to reduce what the Syrian leadership describes as Iran’s “destructive ambitions” in the region.

This policy shift marks a turning point in Syria-Iran relations as the interim government seeks to redefine its alliances and restore stability in the country.

The Syrian interim government’s recent decisions reflect a significant shift in its foreign policy, particularly in its approach to the Iranian regime. Syrian Interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani has openly criticized Iran’s “provocative” role in Syria during the previous administration, urging Tehran to make “fundamental changes” to its policies. Al-Shaibani emphasized that the Iranian regime’s actions during the Assad regime contributed to instability and chaos, undermining the aspirations of the Syrian people.

Ahmed Al-Shara, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the closure of Iranian-affiliated bases and the withdrawal of Iranian-backed militias. These moves signal a clear rejection of Iran’s influence as Syria seeks to redefine its alliances and focus on stability and reconstruction.