TEHRAN (Iran News) Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that the decision to grant asylum to Assad was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Of course, such decisions cannot be made without the head of state. It is his decision,” Peskov said.

He noted that Putin’s official schedule did not include a meeting with Assad and declined to provide details on Assad’s current whereabouts, saying, “There is nothing to tell.”

Peskov added that Russia is working to establish contact with those capable of ensuring the security of Russian military bases in Syria while the Russian military takes “all necessary precautions.”

Regarding the status of Russia’s military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim, Peskov said it was too early to make any definitive statements.

“This is all a subject for discussion with those who will be in power in Syria. Now we see a period of transformation and extreme instability. Therefore, it will take time. And then a serious conversation will be required with those who will be vested with power,” he said.

Peskov acknowledged that the Astana format talks on Syria, which include Russia, Turkey, and Iran, have lost their original purpose but remain relevant as a forum for political consultations and opinion exchanges.

He also confirmed that Russia is engaged in dialogue with Turkey and other regional countries regarding the developments in Syria.

Earlier, Russian state news agency TASS, citing a Kremlin source, reported that Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were granted asylum “guided by humanitarian considerations.”

The developments came after renewed clashes erupted between pro-Assad forces and anti-government groups on Nov. 27 in rural areas west of Aleppo.

Over 10 days, opposition forces carried out a rapid offensive, capturing key cities and advancing to Damascus on Sunday.

The swift gains, supported by defecting military units, led to the collapse of the ruling government.