Russia announced on Wednesday that it is actively monitoring developments in Syria and is in communication with those currently managing the situation.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the importance of safeguarding Russia’s diplomatic missions and military installations in Syria, where Russian forces have been stationed for years to support the Syrian military during the civil conflict.

Peskov’s remarks followed the recent advance of Syrian rebels into Damascus, which resulted in the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Assad subsequently sought refuge in Russia, where officials confirmed he was granted asylum.

The fall of Assad has also negatively impacted Iran’s strategic interests in the region, severing a land route for weapon deliveries to the Iran-aligned Hezbollah group in Lebanon and limiting areas where Iranian militias could operate.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the notion of a diminished Iranian presence in the region, which encompasses support for Hamas in Gaza, militias in Iraq, and Houthi forces in Yemen.

Khamenei further asserted that the events in Syria were orchestrated as part of a U.S.-Israeli agenda, suggesting that a “neighboring state” played a role in Assad’s removal. While he did not specify the country, Turkey, which shares a border with Syria, has been a significant backer of opposition groups.

As Syrians strive to shape their nation’s future, Pope Francis expressed his hope on Wednesday for a political resolution that fosters “the stability and unity of the country.”

“I pray… that the Syrian people may live in peace and security in their beloved land and that different religions may coexist in friendship and mutual respect for the benefit of a nation long afflicted by war,” the Pope stated.

A day after his selection to head an interim government, Mohammed al-Bashir urged Syrians who have fled the country to return.

In an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, Bashir emphasized that one of his primary objectives is to facilitate the return of millions of Syrian refugees, asserting that their skills and experiences would contribute significantly to the nation’s revival.

According to the United Nations, approximately 5 million Syrian refugees are currently residing in neighboring countries.

During a briefing on Tuesday, U.N. special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen warned against hastily repatriating refugees, characterizing the humanitarian conditions in Syria as “disastrous” and the economy as having “collapsed.”