Iran pledges 'support' for Syria if attacked

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, seen here July 15, has written to his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad of the Islamic republic's "support" if Syria comes under attack.(AFP/File/Atta Kenare)


July 17, 2006

TEHRAN (AFP) -Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written to his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad of the Islamic republic's "support" if Syria comes under attack.

State television reported Monday the message was carried to Damascus during the day by Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki.

"In this message, Iranian President Ahmadinejad declared the Islamic republic of Iran's support for the people and government of Syria in the event of any probable attack," state TV said.

In recent days Iran has stepped up its warnings against Israel not to widen the conflict.

On Sunday the Iranian foreign ministry said Israel faced "unimaginable losses" if it chose to attack Syria.