Turkey, Iran, Russia Meet In Doha As Syrian Rebels Make Major Battlefield Gains

Foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, and Russia are set to meet in Doha on Saturday to discuss the rapid advance of Syrian rebels, which has significantly shifted the battlefield dynamics in Syria. This development marks the largest rebel gains in the ongoing civil war, dealing a major setback to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Syrian rebels have surged through territories previously held by Assad’s forces, capturing key cities, including Aleppo in the north and, most recently, the central city of Hama. The rebel advance has pushed further south, threatening to destabilize Assad’s grip on the region.

Turkey, Russia, and Iran, which have been engaged in the Astana peace process to address Syria’s future, regularly hold trilateral talks. While Turkey, a NATO member, supports the Syrian opposition both politically and militarily, Russia and Iran remain staunch allies of Assad’s government.

A Turkish diplomatic source confirmed the upcoming meeting, noting that it will occur within the context of the Astana process at the Doha Forum. However, the source did not provide additional details about the agenda.

On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, alongside his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi, emphasized efforts to revive the Astana process in the wake of the escalating conflict. Turkey has repeatedly called for Assad to engage with the Syrian people in a political solution, while also expressing concern about the potential for a new migrant crisis along its borders, an issue it seeks to avoid.

The trilateral meeting will likely focus on the rapidly shifting dynamics in Syria and seek avenues for renewed diplomatic engagement as the rebel forces continue their offensive.