Idlib crisis dominates summit in Teheran

TEHERAN - The presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey began a meeting in the Iranian capital on Friday to discuss the fate of the rebelheld province of Idlib in Syria as rival factions there prepared for what could be the conflict's last major battle.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the summit that Damascus has every right to take back all its territory, as the Syrian government forces are now preparing an offensive against the insurgents in their last major stronghold.

Beyond that concern, the three leaders were scheduled to seek to safeguard their own interests in Syria.