Defense minister denies reports that Iran decided to send troops to Syria

Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi denies news reports claiming that Iran has decided to send troops to Syria, Tehran Times reports. 
 
“There is no need to do so, and we believe that the Syrian government and army are able to carry out their duties to deal with terrorists,” Vahidi told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday when asked about news reports claiming that Iran has decided to send military forces to Syria to help the crisis-hit Arab country deal with armed rebels fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. 
 
“It is not true, and those who raise such issues are doing so to cover up the measures they have taken. Iran has no troops in Syria,” he said.