Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow will address developments in Syria and how to combat Iran’s military presence in the war-torn country, The Times of Israel reported.

Speaking at the opening of the weekly cabinet meeting, he said Iran was seeking to exploit recent attempts to reach a political settlement in Syria in order to cement its military presence there.

“There is an attempt by Iran to entrench itself permanently in Syria, with a military ground and naval presence,” he said, adding that even without an agreement guaranteeing its long-term military presence in the country, Iran will seek to ensure it retains a foothold there.

Source: MENA