Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says opposing factions in Syria must open dialogue to reach a consensus about the country's political leadership after militants took control of Damascus.

According to The Iran Project, The president made the remarks in an address to a cabinet session on Sunday following the fall of the Syrian government after militant groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) stormed Damascus.

“This is the Syrian people who should make decisions about the country’s future and its political system,” Pezeshkian said. 

He stressed the importance of maintaining unity and protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity in Syria.

He expressed hope that military conflicts and violence would end in Syria as soon as possible “so that the Syrian people will be able to decide their own destiny in a calm atmosphere free from any violence, anxiety or destructive external intervention.”

It is necessary to ensure the security of all Syrian citizens and foreign nationals and protect holy sites and diplomatic and consular premises as per international law, Pezeshkian said.