Iran today said it will keep its military forces in Syria, defying Israeli threats that Iranian forces might be targeted if they do not leave the country.

Calling Israel’s threats a joke, Revolutionary Guards commander, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, warned that Ankara is playing with lion’s tail.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday had said that his forces will continue to attack Iranians in Syria unless they quickly get out of there.

Iran has backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a seven-year war against rebels and militants, and have sent thousands of soldiers to the country.

Israel is concerned that Iran might establish a long-term military presence in neighbouring Syria. Last weekend, Israel’s Air Force attacked Iranian warehouses containing weapons in the Damascus international airport.