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 Shoiguand Fahad Jassim 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 Daeshand al-Nusra terrorist groups.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"]
Senior military officials of Iran, Russia and Syria hold three-way talks on anti-terror cooperation in Tehran on June 9, 2016. (Photo by IRNA)[/caption]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-backedarmed 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 Irans support for talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups.
He said Tehran welcomes any cessation of hostilities in Syria provided that it doesnt allow for a reinforcement of terrorists in the war-torn country.
We agree to a guaranteed ceasefire that doesnt 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.
Talks with Shamkhani
During his visit to Tehran, Shoigu also met withSecretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"]
Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani (R) meets with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Tehran on June 9, 2016. (Photo by IRNA)[/caption]Shamkhanithanked the courageous actions and policies of Russian President (Vladimir Putin) and his effective support in the comprehensive fight against terrorism in Syria.
He said the meeting in Tehranindicates the iron-clad resolve of Russia, Syria and Iranto counter Takfiri terrorists.
Shamkhanialso said that the way the US and its Western allies are dealing with the Syria conflictdemonstrates their deep commitment to Israel'ssecurity and interests in the region.
Shoigu said fighting terrorism is an international duty which all countries should work together to fulfill in order to have a more secure world.
Shamkhani also met separately with the Syrian defense minister.
Syria has been the scene of a conflictsince March 2011.According to a February report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people in total since March 2011.
The United Nations has stopped counting the death toll in Syria, citing widespread violence across the country as well as complexities in checking the credibility of the statistics provided by the government and other sources.
By Press TV
