Intense airstrikes overnight drove Syrian rebels back from the edge of Hama, a major city whose fall would pile pressure on President Bashar al-Assad, both sides said on Wednesday.

A Syrian war monitor said Wednesday that government forces have launched a counteroffensive near Hama, pushing back Islamist led

Iranian FM says Tehran will consider sending troops if Damascus asks; Israel said to fear chemical weapons could fall into wrong hands during takeover of regime military facilities