The changing equation
nance and that it will be ready for long-term operation on the Syrian coast by the end of September. In an attempt to expand its power in the Middle East, Moscow also called on Ankara to provide it with a gateway in Incirlik base. The NATO base hosts around 50 nuclear warheads.
Igor Morozov, member of the Russian upper house of parliament, said that the Incirlik would be the second base used by his country, which points to another achievement for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another Russian official said that Russia might not need this base, but this decision would reveal Turkey’s intentions concerning the coordination with Moscow to combat terrorism. A Russian source says that Russian air raids may expand to include Iraq; Russia aims at controlling the whole region and to kick the United States out of it. A spokesman from the Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced that Russia had stopped using its territories. During a recent press conference, Minister of Defense Hussein Dahkan announced that his country was ready to provide Russia with another airbase and had defended Moscow’s use of Hamadan airbase considering that it corresponds with the international procedures of traditional wars. Dahkan has sought to appease the Iranian opposition by announcing that Tehran has received the full S-300 missiles deal.
The Iranian airbase plays an important role for Russia, because more strikes will lead to the seizure of more territories; an Iranian official said that the Russian-Iranian understanding has determined Syria as a core target; however, it goes far beyond a strategic agreement that confronts countries that support terrorism and are working to topple Assad.
Although the Russian use of the Iranian airbase ensures many strategic benefits in the battlefield, observers didn’t pay much attention to these details; they considered that the main reason behind this use was linked to the timing and the relapse of Assad following the advance of rebels in the Aleppo battle, which required a prompt intervention. Observers also saw that it may be a response to complaints of Hezbollah and the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution about weak Russian air coverage. However, observers expect improvement of relations between Tehran and Moscow, particularly in their coordination to save Assad’s regime.
This cooperation is ongoing, which means that both countries don’t intend to lessen their support for Assad, and that they are ready to enhance their military cooperation with new means when needed. The war in Syria reached a critical phase; Iran’s permission for Russia to use its territories indicates that they are seeking more strategic achievements.