Iranian FM says all 'foreign elements' should leave Syria

DAVOS, Switzerland – Iran's foreign minister is calling for all "foreign elements" to leave Syria so its people can decide their future themselves.

Speaking on a panel discussion about the Middle East at the World Economic Forum, Javad Zarif said Iran also wants to see an end to foreign support for opponents of President Bashar Assad's government and a recognition by all sides that there can be no military solution to the conflict. He said Tehran hoped for a negotiated settlement.

Iran is one of Assad's closest allies and has been widely criticized in the West for sending fighters to Syria and for supporting Lebanon's Hezbollah militia, which is battling on the government's side.