Syria reinforces borders, rules out war with Iran

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has declared that his country will not become involved in a war between the US, Israel and Iran unless it is itself targeted. He stressed that Damascus does not want Syria to become a battlefield again, particularly after years of conflict that have severely weakened the country.

The situation in the region is unstable and difficult to predict, he said. War has already affected several countries, including Lebanon and Iraq.

Syria is therefore seeking to remain on the sidelines, while at the same time reinforcing its military presence along its borders to prevent any spillover of fighting into its territory.

At the same time, al-Sharaa signalled an ambition to build balanced relations with both neighbouring states and global powers, including the US and European countries. The president openly acknowledged that the country has already ‘paid a heavy price’ for previous conflicts.

(reuters, mja)