Iran, Russia joining hands in countering US unilateralism: Defense minister

Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami in a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoygu in Moscow on Sunday said Iran and Russia have been spearheading a joint effort during past years to counter US unilateralism in the region.

According to Press TV, he said, “During recent years, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia have been spearheading a purposeful and joint effort to counter unilateralism and bullying policy of the United States and the administration of [US President Donald] Trump in the region.”

Hatami lauded Russia's "constructive and positive stances" with regard to developments that have unraveled in the past few months, especially Moscow’s opposition to a recent anti-Iranian resolution drafted by Washington, which aimed to restore UN sanctions on Iran and was unanimously rejected by the United Nations Security Council.

"The realistic reaction shown at the United Nations Security Council and its opposition to the recent anti-Iran resolution on extending an arms embargo against the Islamic Republic once again led to another big defeat for the US and its regional allies, and also proved the world's opposition to any hostile and wrong policy," he said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian defense chief said opposition of the remaining parties to the JCPOA to Washington's efforts to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism has dealt another blow to the US in the effort to meet its excessive demands.

Hatami expressed confidence that the joint strategy adopted by Tehran and Moscow to solve regional issues, regardless of the US unilateral policies, would promote peace, stability and security in the region.

Iran, Russia have common goals, interests: Shoygu

The Russian defense minister, for his part, said Tehran and Moscow have common goals and interests at regional and international levels.

Shoygu added that the two countries enjoy deep-rooted strategic ties in all fields while developing defense and security cooperation.

He stressed the importance of constant cooperation among countries in the region with the purpose of establishing regional peace and security.

SS