Russia brushes off US criticism over Iran base use

The Russian foreign minister is rejecting allegations that Russia’s use of Iranian military bases for airstrikes in Syria violates any UN sanctions on Iran.

Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday rejects allegations by US State Department spokesman Mark Toner, who the day before said Russia’s operation out of Iran could violate the UN resolution that prohibits the supply, sale and transfer of combat aircraft to Iran unless approved by the Security Council.

Lavrov says “there has been no supply, sale or transfer of combat jets to Iran” and insisted that the Russian Air Force’s presence in Iran is only about using its facilities.

The minister also calls on the US not to “nitpick about what is happening in terms of the remaining restrictions on trade and ties with Iran.”

— AP