Hamadan Only Airbase in Iran Used for Refueling Russian Aircraft - MP

Russian military aircraft in Iran are only allowed to refuel at the Hamadan airbase in accordance with existing agreements, the chairman of the Iranian parliamentary committee on foreign policy and national security said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On August 16, Russia used the Iranian base for the first time in its anti-terrorism campaign in Syria. Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers and Su-34 strike aircraft carried out airstrikes against Daesh and Jabhat Fatah Al-Sham, formerly known as the Nusra Front, in Syria, both outlawed in Russia.

"Russian aircraft refuel in Iran only at the Hamadan airbase," Alaeddin Boroujerdi said.

"These services are provided to Russia after a decision by the Security Council of Iran," he added. "The use of the Iranian airbase is taking place in the framework of the joint [Russia-Iran-Iraq] centers that have been located in Damascus and Baghdad for a year already."

On Monday, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said that further use of the Hamadan airfield for Russia’s anti-terrorist mission in Syria would be carried out in line with bilateral agreements with the Islamic republic and events on the ground.

In late September, Russia, Syria, Iraq and Iran created the Baghdad Information Center to coordinate joint military action against Daesh. The four countries are represented by officers of the national armed forces, whose primary task is to collect and analyze data related to militant operations in the region.