Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly organized a secret diplomatic trip to Iran by Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, amid a pending battle for control of Syria between Russia and Iran, according to Haaretz. Rabbi Lazar's presence was opposed by Iran but insisted on by Putin, according to reports.

There are approximately 10,000 Jews in Iran – the third-largest concentration in the Middle East, behind Israel and Turkey – and the diplomatic trip was limited to the Jewish community, Haaretz reported.

Israel is reportedly pushing to curb Iran's influence in Syria as the country's civil war winds down. While Russia and the United States agree Iran should stay out of Syrian affairs, U.S. officials have said Russia cannot force Iran out of the country.

• Iran Says 'No Third Party' Will Limit Its Support to Syria
• Senior US Diplomat Pushes for Withdrawal of Iranian Forces From Syria