US describes Russian use of Iranian airbase as 'unfortunate'

The United States has described as “unfortunate but not surprising” Russia’s announcement of using an Iranian airbase to launch airstrikes against terrorists in Syria.

US State Department Spokesman Mark Toner made the comments on Tuesday, saying, Washington is still assessing the extent of the Russian-Iranian cooperation over Syria’s conflict.

Washington’s reaction came after the Russian state media earlier said that the airstrikes had been carried out from an airbase in northwestern Iran, as part of a cooperation agreement between Moscow and Tehran in an effort to battle the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group operating in Syria.

Toner said Moscow’s use of an Iranian airbase would not necessarily prevent the US from reaching a deal with Russia to cooperate in the fight against the Takfiri group.

The two sides have yet to reach an agreement, he noted.

The State Department spokesman further stressed Washington’s concern over Russia’s attacks on what the US regards as moderate militants in Syria.

SS