Iran foreign minister in surprise Erdogan talks: Turkish presidency

AFP  |  Ankara 

Iranian Mohammad Javad today was holding previously unannounced talks with Recep Erdogan in Ankara, the Turkish presidency said.

has been keeping a wary eye on the possibility of the offensive, as it seeks to bring peace to along with and Assad's other main ally

has throughout the seven year civil war in supported rebels seeking to oust Assad but has put differences aside to form a three way alliance with and

Erdogan and his counterparts of and Russia's are due to meet for a third summit on Syria in on September 7, Turkish reports have said.

But analysts say that Idlib, which is largely controlled by rebel groups, could test the alliance with Turkey, as warns a military solution could lead to catastrophe and a new influx of refugees across its borders.

has 12 observation posts staffed by its military inside Idlib aimed at monitoring a de-escalation zone and have said it has sent concrete blocks over the border to reinforce them in case of an offensive.

But analysts also say that Turkey is keen to preserve the three-way alliance and may be prepared to support a more limited offensive against the most extreme factions in Idlib.

Russian on Wednesday called on the West not to stand in the way of an "anti-terror operation" in Syria's Idlib.

Lavrov also said there is "full political understanding" between and Turkey and said it was necessary to "disassociate the so-called moderate opposition from terrorists.

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First Published: Wed, August 29 2018. 21:25 IST