Iran's Rouhani affirms support for Assad in call

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani called Bashar Assad to reaffirm his support for the Syrian leader in the wake of a US missile strike, Rouhani’s office says.

“The nation of Iran will remain alongside the Syrian nation in fighting terrorism and safeguarding Syria’s territorial integrity,” Rouhani said in the call on Saturday evening, according to a statement on the presidency website.

He said Western allegations that Assad’s regime was behind a chemical weapons attack last week were “baseless” and suggested it was carried out by rebel groups to influence global public opinion.

“Terrorists must not be allowed to use such weapons to accuse others and pave the way for actions that are contrary to international law,” said Rouhani.

— AFP