A MISSILE attack targeting government outposts in Syria’s northern region killed 26 pro-government fighters – mostly Iranians – amid growing Middle East tensions.

Iranian media gave conflicting reports about the overnight incident amid speculation that it was carried out by neighbouring Israel.

The attack came hours after telephone talks between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, with the White House saying the leaders discussed the continuing threats and challenges facing the Middle East, “especially the problems posed by the Iranian regime’s destabilising activities”.

Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the United States is pushing Saudi Arabia into a war against Iran.

The Ayatollah said on his website that the “Americans are trying to put Saudis and some other regional countries before Iran. If they are wise, they should not be deceived by the US.”