Iran warns US over military move against Assad

TEHRAN, Iran — An Iranian commander warned the United States Sunday over a possible military move against the Tehran-backed regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The semi-official Fars news agency, which has close ties to Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard, quoted Gen. Masoud Jazayeri as warning that “trespassing over the red line in Syria will have severe consequences for the White House.”

Gen. Jazayeri did not provide details but said Washington is well aware of such red lines. He said the war in Syria is a product of a US plot and “regional reactionary” countries, a common reference to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Earlier Saturday, Washington said US naval forces are moving closer to Syria as President Barack Obama considers a military response to Assad’s alleged use of chemical weapons.

Hundreds of people were killed in a reported chemical attack Wednesday, prompting international calls for action against the Syrian regime.

Iran is considered one of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s strongest backers.

The Times of Israel contributed to this report.