Iran Urges Syria 'Restraint' over Turkey Shelling

Syria's chief ally Iran on Thursday urged Syria and Turkey to both show "restraint" following a border shelling exchange that threatened a broader conflict, according to the Fars news agency.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran asks both sides to show restraint, to investigate the issue and take note of the enemy's goals in the region," Iran's deputy foreign minister for Arab affairs, Hossein Amir Adbolahian, told the news agency.

"Both sides have to take note of armed extremist and terrorist groups in the region.... The security in the region lies in increasing control over the borders around Syria," he said.

Syrian shells hit the Turkish town of Akcakale on Wednesday, killing five civilians, including a mother and her three children.

Turkey retaliated with its own shelling on Syrian positions.