TEHRAN – On Monday Tehran dispatched its senior emissary Ali Shamkhani to Moscow amid unconfirmed news that Iran is ready to show more flexibility to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict dragging on since 2011.

This is Shamkhani’s maiden meeting with Russians over the Syrian crisis in his capacity as coordinator, the mission Tehran commissioned him with after defense ministers of Iran, Syria, and Russia convened in Tehran in June.
They are expected to exchange ideas on the latest developments in the region as well as in Syria.
The trip comes at a critical moment after Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his American counterpart John Kerry met on the sidelines of the Oslo Forum 2016 in Norway.
Al-Monitor quoted Zarif as having signaled during the Oslo meeting that he has now more authority on the Syria file than he had before, and that Iran may be prepared to show more flexibility to advance a political solution.
“What [Zarif] seemed to be signaling was that he has more authority on the Syria file than he has had until now,” a U.S. non-governmental source who met with Zarif on the sidelines of the Oslo Forum had told Al-Monitor.
“He seemed to suggest that Iran is prepared to show more flexibility on how fast that question [of Assad] is dealt with and how.”
The comments were indirectly confirmed by Kerry who had said “… I do believe the conversation I had with Zarif indicates to me possibilities for how this could be achieved.”
“And my hope is that we will open up some political space to try to resolve … one of the most complex international challenges the community has faced in at least a generation.”

The news, however, drew immediate disproval of the Iranian Foreign Ministry which rejected any shift in its Syrian policy.
Relevant to this was Zarif’s new appointments in the Foreign Ministry, particularly appointing Hossein Jaberi Ansari, who had been serving as the ministry spokesman since November 2015, as his deputy to handle policies related to the Arab world.
Jaberi Ansari replaced Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who held the position for five years.
Ever since the Syrian conflict broke out in 2011, Amir-Abdollahian proved to be a key player in Iran’s Middle East policies, representing Iran in Syrian talks occasionally.
Another broad hint was Zarif’s recent remarks during his visit to the Netherlands that both General Soleimani and he think the Syrian crisis can be resolved only through dialogue.
Although Iranian officials have always been supporting a political solution for the Syrian war, this is the first time Major General Soleimani, as the commander of the IRGC Quds Force, is quoted as having backed the mechanism.
Former Iranian ambassador to South Africa Javid Qorban Oqli is one of those optimistic of a changed Syrian policy, citing Zarif as having said in Norway that any possibility about the Syrian war can be considered.
Now with Shamkhani on board, it seems a more unified and realistic face of Iran’s regional policy is likely to be presented.
There are reasons to believe so. Shamkhani is moderate politically, showing mature and logical understanding of regional developments.
Also, he is secretary of the Supreme National Security Council which is a powerful body presided by President Hassan Rouhani and responsible for making important decisions.
Besides, Shamkhani is a trustee of the Leader, leaving him with more leeway to act and intervene.

AK/PA