Iranian foreign minister in Syria for talks

Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Syria to discuss the situation in the wartorn country with President Bashar Assad.

By: AP and World Israel News Staff

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Syria to meet with President Bashar Assad as Syrian forces prepare for an assault on the last rebel stronghold in the country in the Idlib province.

Iran’s IRNA news agency reported that Zarif landed in Damascus on Monday for a one-day visit. He was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad.

Iran has lent broad military and economic support to Assad throughout the seven-year civil war.

Iran and Syria signed an agreement last month to enhance military and technical cooperation during Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami’s two-day visit to Damascus.

The leaders of Iran, Turkey, and Russia are expected to meet in Iran on Friday to discuss the situation in Syria.

The trilateral in Tehran will “be a step toward peace, security and stability in Syria,” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on Monday.