US to Pursue Russian Cooperation in Syria Despite Moscow Using Iran Airbase

© AFP 2023 / NORWEGIAN AIR FORCE / HORussian TU-22M3 Backfire bomber
Russian TU-22M3 Backfire bomber - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The United States will continue to pursue an agreement with Russia to coordinate efforts in Syria despite Moscow’s use of an airbase in Iran, US Department of State spokesperson Mark Toner said in a briefing on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed its Tu-22M3 long-range bombers and Su-34 strike aircraft took off from the Hamadan airfield in Iran to stage airstrikes against terrorists in Syria.

Tu-22 strategic bombers of Russia's Aerospace Defense Forces set to hit ISIS targets in Syria - Sputnik International
Why Iran Allowing Russia to Use Airbase Has ‘Great Tactical Importance’

“It does not preclude the fact that we will reach some kind of cooperative arrangement with Russia. We continue to pursue that,” Toner told reporters.

The United States also continues to speak with Russia via working groups about ways to put in place a credible, nationwide ceasefire in Syria and ensuring full access to humanitarian aid, Toner noted.

Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State John Kerry raised US concerns with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov over Moscow’s use of the airbase in Iran.

Senator Viktor Ozerov, a member of Russia’s Council Defense and Security Committee, told RIA Novosti on Tuesday that using the base in Iran would give Russia more options for striking militants in Syria while minimizing risks posed to Russian Aerospace Forces.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала