Iran's top diplomat meets Syrian president in Damascus

Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on Sunday to deliver a message of support for Syria's government and armed forces, state media said, after a lighting rebel advance.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad emphasised the importance of allies during a meeting Sunday with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as Damascus faces a major rebel offensive in the country's north.

Assad emphasised "the importance of the support of allies and friends in confronting foreign-backed terrorist attacks", a statement from the presidency said after the meeting with the envoy from key ally Tehran.