Iran, Syria mock U.S. policy; Ahmadinejad speaks of Israel's 'annihilation' - washingtonpost.com
The Washington Post reports: "The presidents of Iran and Syria on Thursday ridiculed U.S. policy in the region and pledged to create a Middle East 'without Zionists,' combining a slap at recent U.S. overtures and a threat to Israel with an endorsement of one of the region's defining alliances."

Iran vows to stand by Hezbollah against Israel - washingtonpost.com
The Washington Post reports: "Iran's president on Thursday said that if the Israelis launch a new war against Lebanon's Hezbollah, the militant group should retaliate strong enough to 'close their case once and for all.' [...] Iran is a key supporter of Hezbollah, believed to funnel it weapons and millions of dollars in funding, though Tehran denies arming the Shiite group. Hezbollah, also closely allied to Syria, boasts a heavy arsenal of rockets capable of reaching deep inside Israel."

Comment: As Iran's proxy war against Israel continues, these two reports note the role of Hezbollah and Syria in serving Tehran's plans.