The United States and its allies have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran has denied the U.S. charges and insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (L) speaks with his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during an official meeting in Tehran August 2, 2008. [Xinhua/Reuters Photo]

The Bush administration said it focused on diplomacy to try to resolve Iran's nuclear issue, but has insisted it will take "no option off the table."

After meeting with the visiting Syrian president and his entourage in Tehran on Sunday, Iran's supreme leader Khamenei said the current relationship between Tehran and Damascus is very consolidated and promising.

The Iranian supreme leader also expressed the hope that the current visit of the Syrian president as well as the agreements inked between the two sides would further bolster bilateral ties.

The Syrian president echoed Khamenei's view by saying the existing ties between Tehran and Damascus are very consolidated and strategic.

This is Assad's third visit to Tehran since Ahmadinejad took office in 2005.

During Iranian foreign minister's July 17 visit to Syria, Syrian foreign minister said the two countries would continue exchanging ideas about Iran's nuclear issue.

(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2008)