MOSCOW, December 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in talks that focused on the crisis in Syria, the Kremlin said in a statement.

"Attention was focused on the escalating situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. The major aggression of terrorist groups and gangs is views as aimed at undermining the sovereignty, political, social and economic stability of the Syrian state," the statement said.

According to the Kremlin, unconditional support was expressed for the actions of the legitimate government in Syria to restore constitutional order and the country’s territorial integrity. Also, emphasis was made on the importance of coordinating efforts within the Astana format with the participation of Turkey.

Earlier on Monday, Pezeshkian held phone talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad.

On November 27, the Jabhat al-Nusra extremist group (banned in Russia) and its allies carried out a major attack on Aleppo and other settlements in northern Syria that were under the protection of the Syrian armed forces. On November 30, the country’s military stated it had to regroup its forces to protect the lives of civilians and troops and prepare for a counterattack.