Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said “crushing terrorists must come before any political solution” to end the crisis in his country, dimming hopes of an international peace conference any time soon, Reuters reported.

Speaking in Damascus, Assad praised recent gains by his military forces across the country and said Syria can finish off the insurgency "within months" if people fight with the army through a "popular war".

"How can we put an end to this battle and turn the table on others and restore security and stability? ... It is through this way (popular war) ... unity between the army and people to terminate terrorism."

"Terrorism and politics are complete opposites," Assad said.

"There cannot be political action and progress on the political track while terrorism hits everywhere," Assad told prominent members of Syria's clergy, business and arts community on Sunday evening at an "iftar", or meal to break the fast during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

"No solution can be reached with terror except by striking it with an iron fist," he added.