Ali Akbar Velayati, senior advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution on international affairs, emphasized Syria’s crucial role in resisting occupation forces. 

During a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam al-Sabbagh in Tehran on Wednesday, he highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Iran and Syria, noting its significant implications for both regional and global dynamics.

Velayati emphasized that "Syria has played a critical role in the fight against Zionists and stands as the principal link in the chain of resistance," highlighting the shared victories of the Resistance Front, particularly against threats like ISIS.

He stressed that the United States created ISIS to destabilize Syria and Iraq, but the collaboration between Iran, Syria, and Iraq ultimately led to its defeat.

Velayati asserted that the Resistance front must be strengthened further, stressing that there is no path forward "except through unity and resilience against common enemies,” emphasizing the crucial role of Iran and Syria as pillars of this front.

He also praised Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s leadership, describing him as a source of pride for the Syrian Arab Republic in its resistance against Zionist and US-led aggression.

On his part, al-Sabbagh reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Tehran and Damascus, stressing the need to deepen cooperation amid ongoing regional challenges. 

He said, “Changing circumstances cannot alter realities—our enemy remains the same, and resistance against it is a necessity." 

The two sides also explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation to tackle ongoing crises and foster peace and stability in the region.

Iran pledges support for Syria and Resistance: Araghchi

Velayati's meeting comes after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Bassam al-Sabbagh, on Tuesday, that Iran voices its support for the strengthening of ties between Syria and Turkiye, aiming to promote regional stability.

Araghchi reportedly discussed various regional issues, including Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader Middle East.

The Iranian Foreign Minister praised Syria’s humanitarian efforts, particularly under President Bashar al-Assad, for hosting both Lebanese and Syrian refugees. He also reiterated Iran's backing for Syria's efforts to improve relations with Arab nations and emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution in the ongoing conflict between Syria and Turkiye, with a focus on respecting Syria's territorial integrity.

"We support the expansion of relations between Syria and Turkiye to stabilize the region," Araghchi stressed.

Furthermore, the top Iranian figure reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for Syria and the Resistance, pledging to continue offering assistance. "We will stand by Syria and the Resistance and will not spare any help," he added.

On his part, al-Sabbagh highlighted the shared stance between the two nations, noting that recent Israeli actions in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria have further escalated tensions in the region.

'Israel' commits massacre in Syria's Tadmor

Earlier today, "Israel" carried out yet another aggression on Syria, this time targeting Tadmor, mainly striking residential buildings and resulting in scores of fatalities and injuries.

At least 36 people were killed and 50 others were injured as the Israeli enemy launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the al-Tanf area, targeting several buildings in the city of Tadmor in the Syrian desert, a military source revealed. 

"At approximately 1:30 pm today, the Israeli enemy launched an aerial attack from the direction of the al-Tanf area, targeting a number of buildings in the city of Palmyra in the Syrian desert, which led to the martyrdom of 36 people, the injury of more than 50 others, and massive material damage to the targeted buildings and the surrounding area," the source said.