Damascus sent a clear political message to Tehran, affirming that rebuilding relations between the two countries cannot bypass the legacy of past years, and that any new page with Iran requires respect for Syria's sovereignty and the will of its people and a review of previous policies. This came in direct response to remarks by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian about the stalled relationship with the new Syrian government. Mohamed al-Jafal, adviser for Afro-Asian affairs at the Syrian Foreign Ministry, said Syria's position is the result of 14 years of war, killing, displacement and destruction, and Iran's role in supporting the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad.
On the domestic front, the General Housing Establishment in Syria revealed a move to reopen compensation for citizens whose lands were expropriated, after dozens of owners held a protest vigil in the Qudsaya suburb of Damascus countryside demanding that their lands not be disposed of before their rights are decided. This coincided with the launch of the 'Abyat Hills' and 'Sham View' real estate projects.
Tammam al-Dubl, director of the establishment, said Law No. 20 of 1983 determines the cash compensation at the value of the property before the expropriation decree, and that the establishment grants in-kind compensation equal to 10% of the expropriated land area, with a maximum of 6 dunams. The move comes amid thousands of requests and rights suspended for years.