Iran: Yes, we have troops in Syria -- and we might intervene if the west attacks Assad

Jafari did not indicate how many members were in Syria but said they were providing “intellectual and advisory help.”

“The IRGC is giving intellectual help and even financial assistance but there is no military presence,” he said.

He also said that Iran would change its policy and offer military backing to Assad if Syria came under attack.

“I say specifically that if Syria came under military attack, Iran would also give military support but it … totally depends on the circumstances,” he said.