Iran's top general, Russian defense chief discuss Syria conflict

Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri held separate phone conversations with Russia's Defense Minister Andrey Belousov as well as the army chiefs of staff of Iraq and Syria to discuss the latest developments in Syria, Iranian state media reported Tuesday.

In the phone calls, Bagheri warned that the ongoing offensive by armed rebels in Syria represent the first step in a dangerous scenario for the region, according to Iranian state-run media.

"The parties involved in the phone conversations agreed on unequivocal support for Syria's legitimate government and resolved to take necessary measures to support the Syrian army," the reports said.

The top military officials also called on Syria's neighboring countries to take necessary actions to prevent the support of the rebels, the readout of Bagheri's calls said, apparently referring to Turkey which is known as the main supporter of Syrian rebels who have captured the city of Aleppo over the past week.