Iran isn't part of the Assyrian States (4)

I believe the answer is:

says

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'states' is the definition.
('say' can be a synonym of 'state')

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for says that I've seen before include "Utters" , "Expresses in words" , "States" , "Traditional Mexican strolling musician" , "Verbalises" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.

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