The paper gave no further details of what would likely be discussed at the meeting, or its timing and location, according to Reuters.

On Sunday, Fars news agency reported the Iranian armed chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, as saying the US presence in Syria was illegal but would be short lived.

“Forces who are in this country without coordinating with the government of Syria will leave Syrian soil sooner or later,” it quoted him as saying after his arrival in Damascus.

He also noted the presence of foreign forces in Idlib, in northwest Syria, where Turkey has posted military observation units along the front line between the government and rebel forces, as being illegal.

The Turkish presence in Idlib and the northwest is part of a deal between Ankara and Russia to stop more warfare in that area.

Reporter’s code: 50101