In a dramatic escalation of Syria’s ongoing civil war, Turkey has called for immediate reconciliation between President Bashar al-Assad’s government and opposition forces. The call comes after opposition fighters, supported by Turkey, launched a rapid offensive that has seen significant gains, including capturing most of Aleppo, Syria’s largest city.
At a joint press conference in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasised the need for dialogue, stating: “Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people and the legitimate opposition. Turkey is ready to make all the necessary contributions toward this.”
The press conference, which included Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, highlighted a rare alignment of diplomatic efforts between Turkey, Iran, and Russia. These countries have supported opposing factions in Syria’s protracted conflict but are now seeking to restore calm after the latest insurgent offensive.
Opposition advances and regional implications
The opposition’s swift advances mark one of the most significant rebel operations in recent years. Fighters backed by Turkey gained control of Aleppo’s international airport, with images showing armed insurgents tearing down a poster of Assad and seizing ammunition and abandoned military equipment.
This surge has dealt a blow to Assad’s government, whose forces were caught off-guard. The timing is particularly precarious as Assad’s allies, Iran and Russia, face their own challenges, including involvement in conflicts in the wider Middle East.
The escalation raises the spectre of a broader regional conflict, with Iran-aligned groups such as Hezbollah already engaged in clashes with Israel. The reopening of a violent front in Syria could further destabilise the region.
Diplomatic efforts to address the crisis
Despite longstanding support for opposing sides, Turkey and Iran are urging renewed dialogue. Araghchi, visiting Assad before his arrival in Ankara, reaffirmed Tehran’s steadfast support for the Syrian government. However, both nations have signalled a willingness to facilitate reconciliation to prevent further escalation.
“We have decided to hold closer consultations and dialogue,” said Araghchi. “With God’s permission, we will cooperate to further improve the situation toward peace and stability in our region.”
The renewed focus on diplomacy comes as Turkey faces internal frustrations over stalled attempts at normalising relations with Syria. Ankara has been pressing for reconciliation to address security concerns along its border, particularly with Kurdish militant groups, and to enable the safe return of more than 3 million Syrian refugees. However, Assad has maintained that Turkey must withdraw its forces from northern Syria before any normalisation can proceed.
Military developments and external interventions
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have deployed to bolster Assad’s forces. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, around 200 militia fighters crossed into Syria through the Bou Kamal border crossing and are expected to join efforts to retake Aleppo.
The conflict’s intensification has also alarmed neighbouring countries. Iraq has reinforced security along its border with Syria, wary of potential spillover.
Turkey, while supporting Syrian territorial integrity, has vowed to counter any security threats arising from instability. Fidan stated, “We will never, ever allow terrorist organisations that seek to exploit the environment of instability. We will eliminate any threat to our national security and our people wherever it emerges.”
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International reactions
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence. The United States ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, criticised Assad’s government for ignoring Security Council resolutions and refusing to engage in meaningful talks.
“We are watching that situation very closely, and we will continue to engage with partners in the region to find a path for the situation to go back to calm,” she said.
Meanwhile, Russia, a key ally of Assad, reaffirmed its support for the Syrian government. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “A position will be formed regarding what is needed to stabilise the situation.”
The Path Forward
Both Turkey and Iran underscored the urgency of convening a trilateral meeting with Russia to chart a path toward peace. However, significant obstacles remain, including entrenched mistrust and competing priorities among regional and global actors.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed hope that stability could be restored in Syria in alignment with the “legitimate demands of the Syrian people.” As the conflict enters another uncertain chapter, the region watches closely to see whether diplomacy can halt the cycle of violence or if the battlefield will once again dictate the future.
