Iran, Russia engaged in strategic cooperation in anti-terror fight: Shamkhani

Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani on Tuesday said that Iran and Russia are engaged in “strategic” cooperation and exchange of capacities to fight terrorism in Syria.

According to Press TV, he said: "“Tehran-Moscow cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Syria is strategic and we exchange capacities and potentialities in this field."

Shamkhani made the remarks in reaction to a statement by Russian Defense Ministry on Tuesday that Russian warplanes have taken off from an air base in the western Iranian city of Hamedan to target Daesh Takfiri terrorists and other militants in Syria.

The SNSC secretary also stated that Iran has managed to establish stability and security in the country and will continue to provide advisory assistance to those countries plagued with terrorism.

The Islamic Republic is a stable and secure country through reliance on the know-how, experience and might of its military and security institutions and due to strong support of its people, Shamkhani said.

He added that the Islamic Republic's enemies seek to bring to life some “defunct and outdated” opposition groups by giving them money and different promises, but they would certainly fail to achieve their goals.

Shamkhani further said constructive cooperation among Iran, Russia and Syria has created a “very tough” situation for terrorists.

"As a result of the constructive and extended cooperation among Iran, Russia, Syria and the resistance front, the situation has become very tough for terrorists and this process will continue with the beginning of a new and extended operation until their annihilation," the senior Iranian official said.

He emphasized that preventing foreign-backed militants from using civilians as human shield must be taken into consideration as an inevitable approach to dealing blows to terrorist groups. 

Shamkhani noted that proper measures have been taken in this regard and the dispatch of foodstuff and medicine has not been stopped despite blind attacks by terrorist groups.

SS