TEHRAN – Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has underscored the urgent need for immediate action to counter the Unites Staes and Israel’s attacks on Syria.

During a meeting with Syrian counterpart Ali Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday, Ashtiani cautioned against schemes by the United States and Israel to escalate tensions throughout West Asia. He affirmed Iran's readiness to leverage its complete capacities to aid Syria in bolstering its defense and deterrence capabilities against the U.S. and Israel.

He emphasized, "Any strategic misstep or reckless action by the United States and the Zionist regime will exacerbate the regional situation."

Ashtiani condemned the Zionist regime's aerial assaults and its blatant violation of Syria's territorial integrity. Stressing the importance of creating deterrence as the primary strategic approach against these attacks, he announced that necessary and urgent measures, along with strategic planning, are already underway to prevent further aggression from this regime.

Acknowledging the commencement of the blessed month of Ramadan, the Minister of Defense and Support of the Armed Forces referenced Ayatollah Raisi's visit to Syria, the Syrian Prime Minister's visit to Tehran, and the fifteenth High Commission for Economic Cooperation. He emphasized the necessity of ongoing negotiations between the two countries in light of regional developments and the significance of their relationship.

Highlighting the dire circumstances in the region, the Minister of Defense emphasized the tragic toll of over 30,000 fatalities and 70,000 injuries. He lamented the lack of support from the United States, the silence of international organizations, and the inaction of certain Arab and Islamic countries, which have exacerbated the situation.

Ashtiani also drew attention to the ongoing atrocities committed by the Zionist regime in Gaza, condemning the failure of the United Nations and the Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities regarding the war crimes and genocide of the Zionist regime.

Reiterating condemnation of the Zionist regime's aerial assaults and its destructive actions targeting critical infrastructure, such as airports and ports, under the pretext of confronting the axis of resistance, the Iranian minister of defense emphasized the urgent need to establish deterrence.

He expressed confidence that Israel's attacks are rooted in the regime's fear and failures.

In a stern warning, Ashtiani denounced the unlawful presence of U.S. military forces in Syria, citing their occupation and violation of international law, which has led to instability and the displacement of millions of Syrians. He cautioned against any strategic errors by the U.S. and the Zionist regime, which would further exacerbate the regional situation.

Affirming Iran's commitment to stand alongside Syria, the Iranian general reiterated Iran's readiness to utilize all available capacities to bolster Syria's defensive capabilities and deterrence.

For his part, the Syrian minister said the United States had spared no effort to compromise stability and security in the region.

He added the U.S. presence in Syria was "illegal and aimed at turning the Arab country into a base for supporting separatist and terrorist groups." 

Ali Mahmoud Abbas, reflecting on the developments in Gaza, shed light on the weakness of the Zionist regime and exposed the real "hypocritical" nature of the United States and the West to the world. He emphasized the need for increased resistance against destabilizing forces and stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Damascus in deterring common enemies.

Abbas emphasized that the developments that had unfolded in Gaza further revealed the nature of the West and the United States.

Tel Aviv has significantly increased its airstrikes against Syria since last October, coinciding with the start of its aggressive military campaign against the Gaza Strip.

Damascus has lodged multiple complaints with the United Nations regarding the Israeli attacks, urging the Security Council to intervene against Tel Aviv's unlawful actions. However, these appeals have been ignored.

On Saturday, the Syrian defense minister held meetings with his Iranian counterpart during a visit to Tehran.

During his previous trip to Syria, Ashtiani told the Arab side that Iran was ready to equip the Syrian military forces with sophisticated weapons and open “strategic defense gear” factories.

Since the onset of the Western-backed conflict in Syria in 2011, Iran has maintained advisory forces to assist in the fight against terrorism in the country. Both nations have recently expressed their willingness to further enhance cooperation across various military domains.