Iran-Russia coalition changed equations in Syria

 Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani said trading of weaponry only marks the tip of the iceberg in the defense ties between Islamic Republic of Iran and the Federation of Russia asserting "bilateral ties between Tehran and Moscow became strategic since the Eurasian country, seriously and effectively, entered the scene of fight against terrorism.”

Strategic ties now exist between the two sides as evidenced by meeting of top-ranking political and military officials as well as by field and operational measures in the battlefield.

Unlike some regional countries who have become a warehouse for American weapons, Iran decides on the right type of required weapons and mainly relies on domestic productions.

On emergence of a new phase of military ties between Iran and Russia and weather Tehran is concerned about Moscow’s increased maneuverability inside the region, Shamkhani said joint drills are conducted with coordination and mutual objectives which alleviate all concerns; "military maneuver proves dangerous when carried out by countries who move against regional security and those who support ISIL while preventing political solutions to security crisis in Syria and Yemen.”

In response to a question whether Iran-Russia coalition is temporary or can turn into a global one, the official said effective coalitions can be formed in favor of the region and the world provided that emerged capacities and opportunities are properly seized.

One successful instance pertains to the alliance of Iran, Russia, Syria, Iraq and Hezbollah in the Syrian scene which could change long-lasting equations and push back terrorists to liberate Aleppo, he continued.

Shamkhani further stated that coalition can no longer be temporary since, even though the strongest terrorist group has lost most of its power over the past two years, their operating geography has changed and the nature of threat has changed from territorial occupation to terrorist activities hence the need to maintain coalitions.

 On Iran’s ability to benefit from working with a global power and to become dependent on it, SNSC head said Iran and Russia began collaborations within the framework of Russia’s determination to support the legal government of Syria; naturally, the two sides might have clash of ideas in which case Iran will act independently.”

"Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has acted based on the principle of independence,” highlighted Shamkhani calling for a distinction to be made between cooperation and independence. He also pointed to the positive outcome of strategic collaborations between Iran and Russia including formation of Astana talks which have helped advance political negotiations.

The senior Iranian official further stated that strategic military cooperation entails taking advantage of all capacities in a bid to fulfill all targets. Countries possess strengths and weaknesses, otherwise no coalition would be formed.

The same pattern can be applied to political arenas one clear instance being Astana talks, establishment of ceasefire and specification of de-escalation zones.

The most important issue, as stated by Shamkhani, is that a common analysis exists about future regional development, spread of terrorism and adverse role of the US and its forged alliances; "these shared views, have led to an integrity in the strategies for fighting terrorism and exchange of experiences.”