On February 23, he told reporters that violations to the cease-fire brokered by Russia and Turkey continue across the country  because Iran-backed militia continue fighting alongside the Syrian government.

“Iran is the main obstacle to any kind of political deal,” Hariri said, and also blamed Russia, “Russia failed to control the regime and the militias that fight with the regime. They failed to control Iran.”

Iran fuels sectarian strife across the broader Middle East region as well, according to Hariri. This a line is in agreement with that taken by Turkey, who backs Syria’s opposition groups.

Hariri called on Washington to put pressure on Iran, who has “spread tens of thousands of sectarian fighters.”

“There needs to be a regional, international effort to put a stop to Iranian interventions in the region. This is what is expected from the United States,” he declared.