© AP Photo/ WarfareWWA Russian Tu-22M3 bomber stands on the tarmac at an air base near Hamadan,Iran,August 15, 2016
Iranian authorities could allow Russia to use the Hamadan air base in western Iran for Moscow's aerial operation against terrorist in Syria if the situation in the crisis-torn Middle Eastern nation demanded it, Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan said Saturday.
"If the situation and conditions [in Syria] demand to provide the support, we will do this job," Dehghan said, as quoted by the Tasnim news agency.
Iran allowed the Russian strike force to operate from the base in the mountainous western Hamadan province in mid-August. The jets returned to Russia a week later, after completing their anti-terror mission, which targeted jihadists in Syria.
Comment: See also:
Russia May Use Iran's Hamadan Base if Admiral Kuznetsov Moves Away From Syria
Russia could use Iran's Hamadan airbase in case the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier used for anti-terror strikes in Syria moves away from the Syrian borders for a new mission, the Russian upper house of parliament's defense committee chair said Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan said that Tehran could allow Russia to use Hamadan for Moscow's aerial operation against terrorists in Syria.
"The necessity to use the airfield of the airbase in Hamadan could emerge if Admiral Kuznetsov carries out another operation and [Russia] will not be able to use it for airstrikes against terrorists in Syria," Viktor Ozerov told RIA Novosti.
Update: Iran Ready to Allow Russian Jets to Use Hamadan Base for 'Takeoff and Refueling'
Last week, Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan said that Tehran could allow Russia's use of the Noje Airbase in Hamadan for the aerial campaign against terrorists in Syria if the situation demanded it.
In an interview with Sputnik Persian, Hossein Sheikholeslam, an adviser to the Iranian foreign minister, commented on the possible option for the Russian Aerospace Forces at the Hamadan airfield.
"I'd like to emphasize that Iran never gave to Russia full control over the Noje base in Hamadan. This airbase belongs to Iran and all activities at the base are controlled by Tehran," Sheikholeslam said.
According to Sheikholeslam, all operations by Russian aviation in Hamadan were controlled by Tehran.
"Tehran never gave full control over the airfield to any foreign country. This would contradict the country's constitution," the adviser added.
Comment: See also:
- Iran commits Russian use of Hamadan airbase for 'as long as needed'
- Syria anti-terrorist mission complete: Russian Aerospace Force returns from Iran's Hamadan Airfield
- Deciphering the Russian 'withdrawal' from Hamadan, Iran: Not a withdrawal at all
Update: Iran Ready to Allow Russian Jets to Use Hamadan Base for 'Takeoff and Refueling'