(Reuters) Luke Baker - Russia and other world powers must move to limit Iran's growing military strength in Syria because it poses a regional threat, Hagai Tzuriel, the director-general of Israel's Intelligence Ministry, told Reuters in an interview. Israel estimates that Iran commands at least 25,000 fighters in Syria. "There is a need for Russia and other powers to work to avoid the threat that Iran ends up with military, air and naval bases in Syria," he said. "When it comes to Iran, the United States, Russia and other powers need to understand that (growing Iranian influence in Syria) is going to be a constant source of friction," said Tzuriel, adding that it could reduce Moscow's own influence in the region and set back the gains it has made in Syria. "Russia has a vested interest in keeping that threat contained."
2017-03-22 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive