Officials in Jerusalem said on Wednesday that Syria’s declarations that it did not want a war were important but that its actions would determine the future, Israel Radio reported.

The cooperation between Iran and Syria has recently broadened in a variety of areas, including the military, security, economic and scientific spheres.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul vowed Tuesday to defend the country’s secular traditions as he announced a fresh bid for the presidency despite deep-rooted opposition over his Islamist past.