Thursday, February 17 2005 12:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Tehran: Regional allies Iran and Syria yesterday (Feb 16, 2005) pledged to form a "united front" against foreign threats, with Damascus under global suspicion over the killing of Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otri held top-level talks in Tehran as Beirut ground to a halt to bury Hariri, two days after he was killed in a massive explosion.

Since then, the United States has ratcheted up the pressure on Damascus over its alleged role in the assassination and increasingly turned the screws on arch-foe Tehran for its alleged efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

"This meeting is taking place at a very important and delicate time, with Syria and Iran facing numerous challenges and it is important that they present a united front," the Syrian premier told reporters.

"Our Syrian brothers are facing specific threats and we hope they can benefit from our experience. We are ready to give them any help necessary," said Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.

Washington, which imposed sanctions on Damascus last year (2004), has spent the past few months hardening its rhetoric over Syria's presence in Lebanon, alleged support for terrorism and interference in Iraq.

Iran and the United States severed diplomatic ties in 1979 following the Islamic revolution, which swept conservative clerics to power in Tehran.

Washington recalled its ambassador to Damascus after Hariri's murder and insists Syria comply with a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution and recall its troops from Lebanon.