BEIRUT – As Syrian forces struggled to drive rebels from the country’s largest city, the regime’s key ally, Iran, tried Thursday to start an alternative political process to address the crisis.

Iran gathered an array of nations ranging from strong supporters of Damascus to far-flung nations a world away from the Syrian civil war.

The one-day forum is unlikely to result in any international consensus, but it shows Iran’s resolve to stand by President Bashar Assad as his forces try to crush the 17-month-old uprising.