During a meeting in Tehran with Syria's Minister of Defense Ali Mahmoud Abbas, Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani stated that any strategic mistake on the part of "Israel" and the US would inevitably lead to a worsening of regional security.

"Any strategic mistake and adventure of the US and the Zionist regime will lead to the worsening of the situation in the region," Ashtiani said, while further expressing certainty that "Israel" will fail to achieve its goals in Gaza. 

Ashtiani attributed the deaths of over 30,000 Palestinians and the injuries of 70,000 others in Gaza to the US. None of this "would not have happened without the support of the United States, the silence of international organizations, and the reluctance of some Arab and Islamic countries," he said.

He further condemned Israeli aggression on Syria and labeled Israeli attacks as a "violation of Syria's territorial integrity."

Read more: Attack on Palestinian people crime against humanity: Iran, Syria FMs

Confronting Israeli aggression requires establishing a deterrent force, "Therefore, necessary and urgent measures and plans are on the agenda to counter the regime's aggression," he said. 

The Iranian Ministry of Defense reaffirmed its preparedness to use all capabilities alongside the Syrian Government to develop Syrian defense and deterrence capabilities, just "as [Iran] stood by Syria during the war against terrorism."

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For his part, Major General Mahmoud Abbas considered that "the events in Gaza revealed the true and fake face of the United States and the West before public opinion," and that "the United States spared no opportunity to destroy stability and security in the region," stressing the illegality of the American presence in Syria, if "the US forces became a base for supporting separatist and terrorist groups."

Unbreakable alliance

Iran and Syria have shared good diplomatic relations for several decades. When the war erupted in Syria and a surge in terrorist groups ravaged the country, Iran provided logistical and military assistance for Damascus to help restore peace.

Through joint collaborative efforts, along with assistance from Russia, the two countries managed to repel large swathes of ISIS factions.

In July 2020, Iran and Syria signed a joint comprehensive agreement to boost their cooperation in the military and defense fields.

However, US occupation forces still remain stationed in the northern territories, where they conduct looting operations of Syrian oil on a frequent basis.

Read more: Iran committed to assist Syria with air defense capabilities: Iran MoD

The Israeli regime frequently carries out acts of aggression against Syria. The latest aggression was carried out on March 12 and resulted in the wounding of two Syrian army servicemembers. 

"Israel" admitted to the strike and released the video footage.

Syria: today Israel bombed 2 military sites in Quneitra province, wounding at least 2 SAA soldiers.
In a rare admission, Israel acknowledged the strike and released the video. pic.twitter.com/iPtdf4n2Ze

— QalaatM (@QalaatM) March 12, 2024