Syria has been targeted because of standing up to the Israeli policies of aggression, the Iranian parliament (Majlis) speaker says.

“Syria’s being on the front line of resistance against the Zionist regime [of Israel]'s policies of aggression in the region has brought about fierce attacks by ill-wishers as well as regional and transregional enemies on the oppressed country,” said Ali Larijani in a meeting with Syrian Defense Minister Fahd Jassem al-Freij in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Wednesday.

The top parliamentarian further praised Syria’s resistance against terrorists, stressing, “The Syrian people and authorities have manifested laudable and historic resistance against domestic and foreign terrorists over the past four years.”

He also called on the Middle East countries to help contain terrorist activities, saying if the regional countries continue to maintain a passive role in dealing with terrorism, stability and tranquility in the whole region will be jeopardized.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Larijani termed Tehran-Damascus relations constructive and friendly.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="555"] Foreign-backed militants drive a tank in Syria's northern town of Jisr al-Shughur on April 26, 2015. (AFP Photo)[/caption]

The Syrian defense minister, for his part, described terrorist attacks on Syria a plot by Israel and the United States which has been endorsed by some regional countries.

He explained that Syria has gained the upper hand against terrorists across the country, and plans to intensify its fight against the Takfiris.

He also appreciated the support Iran has provided for the Syrian people.

Syria has been grappling with a deadly crisis since March 2011. The violence fueled by Takfiri groups has so far claimed the lives of over 222,000 people, according to the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

By Press TV