Syrian rebels shelled the country’s capital city, killing at least one person, just hours before the arrival of Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif in the war-torn nation, according to regional reports.
"Zarif was scheduled to arrive Wednesday afternoon in Damascus," according to Israel Hayom. "Rebels long have been shelling Damascus, but Wednesday's bombardment was the most intense in weeks and lasted for about two hours during the capital's morning rush hour."
Iran is the primary sponsor of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Islamic Republic has provided financial resources to Assad and also sent military advisers to help battle rebel forces seeking to see Assad deposed.