Iran on Monday (22 August) said that Russian Federation would stop the use of its air base for strikes on militant camps in Syria.
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The Russian Air Force may resume operation from the Iranian airbase when it is “expedient and by the decision of leaders” of the two countries, the Russian diplomat said, adding that Moscow sees no obstacle to using Iran’s military infrastructure in the future again.
Video footage released by Russia’s Defence Ministry on August 18 shows a Russian Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bomber based at Iran’s Hamadan air base dropping off bombs in the Syrian province of Deir ez-Zor.
Iranian Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan dismissed that criticism but also chided Moscow for publicising the move, describing it as showing off and a ‘betrayal of trust’.
Russian military analyst Viktor Murakhovskiy told the website Sobesednik that using the Kalibr from the Caspian was overkill, since it is intended for larger targets that ISIS possesses, and Russia has means of attacking Syria that are much more convenient.
Iran only confirmed the flights and the use of its bases a day after Russian Federation made the announcement.
“There has been a kind of showing-off and inconsiderate attitude behind the announcement of this news”, he said.
Moscow and Tehran are the main global backers of Syrian President Bashar Assad, with Russian Federation supporting the ruler’s forces with airstrikes and Iran with ground troops.
“When we make Bavar-373 operational, we will not need to purchase another high-altitude and long-range air defense system”, he said.
Iranian officials were quick to highlight Russian Federation was only refueling its bombers and not setting up a permanent base.
Moscow has short-range aircraft at an airbase outside the Syrian coastal city of Latakia and has launched cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea and Mediterranean.
“There are no grounds to suspect Russian Federation of breaching the resolution”, he said.
He told the U.N. Security Council, which has been deeply divided over Syria, that “you have the power with a pen – a simple pen stroke – to allow food to people”.
Tehran, for its part, oversees thousands of troops fighting for Assad on the ground, while Russian Federation provides airpower.
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“Russia and Iran stand closely on the issue of fighting terrorism and the Islamic State (outlawed in Russia)”, Qasemi stated.
