Damascus, Syria - October 05, 2024

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said in Damascus on Saturday that Iran supports a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and warned Israel that it would respond proportionately to any attacks, and if necessary, with greater force.

At a press conference wrapping up his one-day visit to Syria, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's commitment to standing by the "resistance" against Israel, noting that the country will continue its aid and coordination with Syria to support displaced Lebanese refugees.

He added that Iran has already sent humanitarian aid to Syria to help the Lebanese refugees in Syria, with more expected to arrive soon.

On the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran, Araghchi warned, "Our response to any strike by the Israeli entity is very clear and for every action there will be a response from Iran in a similar, consistent manner and even stronger manner. This is what we have proven in the past and they can test our will again."

Araghchi mentioned that regional and international initiatives for a ceasefire are currently under discussion, but he refrained from providing specific details. He stressed that any ceasefire conditions must be acceptable to both Palestinians and Lebanese.

When asked about Iran's relationship with Syria, Araghchi highlighted the deep-rooted strategic partnership between the two nations, and emphasized that Iran's support for Syria will continue under all circumstances.

During the visit, the Iranian foreign minister also held meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, during which they discussed cooperation to secure humanitarian assistance to Lebanese families fleeing the Israeli military assault in Lebanon.

Shotlist:
Damascus, Syria - Oct 5, 2024:
1. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi walking to podium;
2. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iranian foreign minister (partially overlaid with shot 3/ending with shot 4):
"There are two main urgent issues on our agenda, firstly the conditions of the Lebanese refugees both in Lebanon and Syria and secondly the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. Regarding the ceasefire efforts, we have had good discussions, there are currently initiatives by regional countries and some countries from outside the region. We are seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.";
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 2, 2024
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
3. Various of smoke rising over city;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 2, 2024
4. Various of residents, damaged buildings, vehicles;
Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Sept 21, 2024
5. Various of school, displaced people after Israeli airstrike;
Damascus, Syria - Oct 5, 2024
6. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iranian foreign minister (starting with shot 5/partially overlaid with shot 7): "Our response to any strike by the Israeli entity is very clear and for every action there will be a response from Iran in a similar, consistent manner and even stronger manner. This is what we have proven in the past and they can test our will again.";
Tel Aviv, Israel - Oct 1, 2024
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
7. Iranian missiles being intercepted;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
Damascus, Syria - Oct 5, 2024
8. Photo of Hezbollah's late leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in Israeli airstrikes;
9. Camera crew at press conference.

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