Iran's Rouhani assures Assad of support

“Iran will stand by the Syrian people and the Syrian government in the fight against terrorism,” Rouhani was quoted as saying by state broadcaster IRIB on Saturday in a phone call with Tehran’s main regional ally, Reuters reports.

Iran has signed large economic contracts with Syria, reaping what appear to be lucrative rewards for helping Assad in his fight against rebel groups and Islamic State militants. “Tehran is ready to have an active role in reconstruction of Syria,” Rouhani added.

The trilateral meeting between Iran, Russia and Turkey in the Russian resort of Sochi this week was “a right step, at the right time” for the future of Syria, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in a phone call.