Syrian activists say clashes between government forces and rebels are continuing in Aleppo, as the military presses on with an assault on opposition-held areas of the country's largest city.

The Local Coordination Committees and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported fighting Thursday in several districts of Aleppo.

The Syrian military launched a two-pronged attack on the city Wednesday, with jets and helicopters bombing from overhead while ground forces targeted rebel positions.

Meanwhile, Syrian ally Iran is trying to advance a solution to the crisis with talks Thursday in Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says Tehran is hosting a meeting of countries committed to implementing an immediate cease-fire, sending humanitarian aid to Syria and preparing for dialogue.

Russia is sending its ambassador to Iran to the talks, but it is unclear which other nations may take part.

Also Thursday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appointed Wael al-Halqi as the new prime minister, following the defection earlier this week of former prime minister Riad Hijab.