Trump's decisions on Golan, IRGC aim to serve Israel interests: Zarif

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says US recognition of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights as part of Israel and its designation of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a "terrorist" organization show that Washington’s policies are based on serving Israel’s interests.

Zarif, who is in Damascus on an official day-long visit, told IRIB on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump's decisions about Golan and Iran's IRGC indicated his "desperate reaction" to the latest achievements made by the Syrian people and popular defense groups in the campaign against US-backed terrorists.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Zarif said, "Over the past weeks, our region has witnessed important developments which point to two facts: the consecutive US defeats and the White House's measures to serve the Zionist regime's interests."

The top Iranian diplomat emphasized that Trump's moves against the IRGC and Golan were an "election gift" to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He said developed countries should boost convergence and urge everyone to observe international law and counter Washington's "law of jungle."

Zarif noted that he would hold talks with Syrian officials about ways to counter the United States' "illegal" moves against the IRGC and Golan.

Iran, Syria FMs discuss mutual, international issues

The Iranian foreign minister and his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Muallem discussed the latest mutual, regional and international developments.

Zarif said resistance of the Syrian government and nation against terrorism has rescued the Middle East from a big danger.

He stressed that all terrorists must leave Syria and the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.

Muallem, for his part, said positive cooperation between Tehran and Damascus helped both sides thwart plots and called for further expansion of relations.

SS