"News ID: 215794
Published: 1250 GMT May 27, 2018 Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said Iran’s presence in Syria, its regional policies and missile program will continue and are non-negotiable.
"As long as the threat of terrorism exists in Syria and the country's legitimate government invites Iran’s advisory presence, we will stay in Syria," Shamkhani said in an interview with Doha-based Al Jazeera broadcaster.
He stressed that Iran’s presence in Syria is solely aimed at fighting terrorism at the invitation of the country's "legitimate government."
Furthermore, Shamkhani dismissed the latest comments of US officials on Iran as “boasting” and maintained, “The Islamic Republic has always proved that it will never surrender.”
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday threatened Iran with the “strongest sanctions in history” if it did not comply with a list of steep demands, including the withdrawal of all forces under Iranian command in Syria.
Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad responded by hailing Iran’s assistance to his country, stressing that the pullout of the Iranian military advisers from the Arab country was not up for discussion. ... "
