Tehran, Iran, October 11
By Mehdi Sepahvand -- Trend:
A senior Iranian military official has said that Tehran and Moscow follow the same objective in Syria, refuting the prospect of any rivalry between the two.
The evidence shows that there are common threats to regional countries such as Iran, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, as well as Russia, which has led to a sort of convergence among these countries, Senior Advisor to Supreme Leader's Representative in the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Yadollah Javani told Trend October 11.
Russia's recent military actions in Syria follow a will to fight this threat, that is, terrorism in Syria, he noted.
There seems to be no competition, he said regarding the possibility that Russia may be seeking more influence over Damascus which is much in tune with Tehran.
"Russia has set for fighting terrorists," the military official stated. "If they are empowered, they will challenge the security of regional countries including Russia and the countries in Central Asia and the Caucasia."
"Despite Western countries' claims about fighting terrorism, not only they have not fought against terrorist groups, but the US, some European countries, and Israel are rearing these terrorist groups. Under such circumstances Russia has prioritized fighting terrorism, which would grow into a major threat if not contained."
On the prospect of Iran helping Russia's airstrikes with troops on ground and forming a united front, Javani said that Iran's policy of maintaining a consultative role in Syria has not changed.
The Syrian Army and the public forces are enough to provide on-ground backing for the airstrikes and there is no need for more, he underlined.
Russia launched its military campaign against the Daesh (IS, aka ISIL, ISIS or the "Islamic State") group on September 30 at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
"Our aviation group over the past day has destroyed two militant command centers, 29 field camps, 23 fortified facilities and several troop positions with military hardware," the Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said October 10.