Iranians hold a banner with an anti-Israel message in Tehran on May 18, 2018, as they take part in a demonstration after weekly Friday prayers. (AFP PHOTO)

TEHRAN, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi on Monday denied that Iran had indirect talks with Israel over Syria, official IRNA news agency reported.

"Amidst some Arab countries' betrayal of the Palestinian cause, the news some media reported is aimed at distracting the public opinion," Qasemi told IRNA.

"This claim is basically a lie," Qasemi said, adding that "Iran does not recognize the fabricated, occupying and terrorist regime of Israel."

On Monday, Elaph, a Saudi-owned website reported that Israel and Iran were engaged over the weekend in indirect negotiations in Jordan regarding fighting in southwestern Syria.