Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has reiterated the Islamic Republic’s unwavering support for the Syrian government and nation against terrorism.

In a meeting with Syrian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Jihad al-Laham in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Tuesday, Zarif lauded Syrians for their resistance against foreign-sponsored terrorists operating inside the conflict-ridden Arab country.

“The supporters of terrorist groups (in Syria) have now become isolated… They have realized that they cannot ensure security and influence in the region through money or the sale of military playthings.”

The top Iranian diplomat added that regional problems must be solved by the regional countries themselves, describing coordination among Iran, Iraq and Syria, particularly in the fight against terrorism and the Takfiri ISIL militant group, as beneficial to the region.

Laham, for his part, praised the Islamic Republic of Iran’s support for Damascus and the Syrian nation, saying his country is facing a cruel war and has managed to stand against terrorism and extremism thanks to the backing from friendly countries like Iran.

He also warned that terrorism is spreading in the region “like a cancerous tumor.”

The crisis fueled by Takfiri groups in Syria has reportedly claimed more than 222,000 lives since March 2011. The violence has also forced over 3.8 million Syrians to take refuge in neighboring countries, namely Jordan and Lebanon.

MP/HSN/HJL