Trending Topics
|
Report: Russia Warned Iran Ahead of Israeli Strikes in Syria
(Asharq Al-Awsat-UK) Adil Al-Salmi - An informed source told Asharq Al-Awsat on Thursday that a Russian "warning" was issued ahead of the recent clashes between Israel and Iran in Syria. The Israeli strikes came a few hours after a surprise visit by Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov to Tehran. Ryabkov carried a message from Moscow in the wake of a meeting held between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Last week, Netanyahu showed Putin evidence that Iran was establishing missile plants in Syria and was preparing for a missile attack on Israel. According to the source, when Ryabkov informed concerned Iranian parties about the discussions between Netanyahu and Putin, a war of words emerged between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Mohammad Bagheri concerning the intentions of the Revolutionary Guards to launch a missile attack.