TEHRAN – Ali Qazi Askar, the Leader’s representative in Hajj affairs, says Iran and Syria have reached an initial agreement to resume sending Iranian pilgrims to Syria.

If the necessary facilities are provided, Iran will start sending pilgrims to Syria, he said.

He also hailed the defenders of holy shrines, popular mobilization forces and the Syrian army for their triumph over the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group, ISNA reported.

He added with the return of security to Syria, the countries that were seeking regime change in that country are now trying to outstrip one another in opening their embassies in Damascus.

MH/PA