Iran urges Turkey not to advance in Syria with military strikes; Drills said to include several different departments of Iranian military; Rouhani: We are calling on our friendly and brotherly neighbor Turkey to act with more patience and restraint, and to revise its decision and chosen path.”
Iran, a longtime ally of Syria and Bashar Al-Asaad, began to conduct surprise military exercises near their border with Turkey on Wednesday. Iran is urging Turkey not to extend their military reach too far into Syria.
Iran defends Syria’s right to have control over their own land. That being said, anyone who is there in an illegal or unwelcome matter should leave according to Iran. Keep in mind that Syria is Iran’s land bridge to their proxies on the Mediterranean coast, so Iran has deeper motives regarding their quick defense of Syria.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stated on Wednesday, “We have openly said that the only solution to ensure safety and security in southern Turkey and northern Syria is the presence of the Syrian army… We are calling on our friendly and brotherly neighbor Turkey to act with more patience and restraint, and to revise its decision and chosen path.”