Iran, Russia, Syria agree to promote anti-terror cooperation

Iran, Russia and Syria have agreed to step up cooperation in their fight against Takfiri terror groups wreaking havoc across the Syrian soil and elsewhere in the region.

“We made decisions for what must be done on the regional and operational levels in an agreed upon and coordinated manner,” said Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan on Thursday.

He made the remarks following a meeting with his Russian and Syrian counterparts, Sergei Shoigu and Fahd Jassem al-Freij, in Tehran.

"The terrorists and their supporters must know that the group fighting against them is determined to support this route until the end and will do so,” Dehqan said.

Dehqan also strongly denounced US and Saudi support for what they call “moderate rebels” as further proof of the falsehood of their anti-terror slogans.

He went on to say that the three countries were determined to deliver a “decisive” battle against “all terrorist groups” wreaking havoc in Syria and elsewhere in the region.

Dehqan earlier said during the meeting that Iran considers the struggle against terrorism to be its duty and its mission. He also accused the US and Israel of patronizing terrorism in the troubled Middle East region.

“The aggressive policy based on hegemony, which is being pursued by the United States, Israel and some other countries, which patronize terrorism, stands behind the current regional crisis,” he said.

“Iran has always been and remains a reliable anchor of regional security that has always been opposed to violence, aggression, terror and terrorism,” Dehqan added.

A Russian Defense ministry statement said talking points were "priority measures in reinforcing the cooperation" between the defense ministries of the three countries in the fight with Daesh and al-Nusra terrorist groups.

The visit of Russia's defense minister to Tehran comes after Moscow's pledge to step up its airstrikes against Takfiri forces in and around Aleppo.

Iran and Russia are Syria's main allies against the various foreign-backed armed groups fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad, including Daesh terrorists.

Moscow has sent warplanes and special forces in support of Syrian troops, while Tehran has deployed military advisers and trained and equipped pro-government militias.

During the talks, Dehqan reiterated Iran’s support for talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups.

He said Tehran welcomes any cessation of hostilities in Syria provided that it doesn’t allow for a reinforcement of terrorists in the war-torn country.

“We agree to a guaranteed ceasefire that doesn’t lead to the strengthening of terrorists in this country,” Dehqan noted, adding, “The first step toward restoring security to the region is comprehensive ceasefire” and humanitarian aids.

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