Defense Minister Lieutenant General Amir Hatami told his Syrian counterpart, General Jassem al-Freij, that Tehran will continue to support the Syrian people even after the end of the war against terrorist groups. In a phone call to congratulate Freij on the liberation of the Syrian city Deir al-Zor, Hatami said, "Years of resistance against terrorist groups by Syrian forces is admirable and must be recorded as part of the legitimate defense of the nation in Syria's history," ISNA reported on Sunday. The Syrian government declared victory over the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group in the eastern city of Deir al-Zor on Friday, a big blow to the militants as their last stronghold in Syria crumbles. Hatami said the latest achievement by Syrian forces in their ongoing fight against terrorists would soon restore "complete stability" in that country, adding that Tehran is determined to help its "Syrian brothers in the postwar stage". Freij thanked Iran for its continued support and said, "The significant coordination between Syria and Iran has helped promote security in the entire region."
