A man looks at Iranian-made missiles at Holy Defence Museum in Tehran in this September 23, 2015 file photo.

Iran’s air defense chief said Sunday his country is ready to help defend Syria’s airspace.

The semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted Gen. Farzad Esmaili as saying “We will help Syria in a full-fledged manner if the Syrian government requests help.” He said any such aid would be provided in an “advisory” capacity. This is the first time Iran has offered to assist with Syrian air defenses.

Esmaili’s remarks came after Turkey and Saudi Arabia — leading supporters of the rebels battling to topple the Syrian tyrant — said they were open to sending ground troops into Syria to battle Daesh.

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