Coop. With Russia Helpful in Resolving Mideast Issues

The successful cooperation between Iran and Russia on Syria could set an example for the resolution of other problems plaguing the Middle East, says an official.

In an exclusive interview with Sputnik published on Tuesday, the Iranian parliament speaker's special advisor on international affairs described the interaction on the Syrian issue as "a very successful experience".

"The Moscow-Tehran-Damascus triangle managed to achieve high-quality cooperation in the front line and break terrorist forces," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said.

Russia's firm position on a number of issues in the United Nations Security Council regarding the Syrian crisis was also a significant contribution, he noted.

"I consider the cooperation between Moscow and Tehran in Syria a vivid example of resolution for other Middle East problems, aimed at de-escalating conflicts and stabilizing the situation in the region," added the official.

  Syria Reconstruction

Asked whether the Iranian government will contribute to the reconstruction of Syria, Amir-Abdollahian said the process requires the participation of major countries, including Iran.

The international community should join this process to bring Syria back on the path of development.

He added that Iran will take the necessary steps to expand trade and economic cooperation with Syria as the country's infrastructure has suffered extensive damage.

On the possibility of a conflict similar to the Syrian war in the Middle East in the foreseeable future, Amir-Abdollahian said the United States and some of its allies benefit from continued insecurity and an arms race in the region.

Intelligence information shows militants linked to the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group have been transferred to other countries, particularly Afghanistan, he noted, saying that Washington has not taken any "effective" steps in the fight against IS in Syria and Iraq.

   Yemen Crisis  

Asked about Iran's policy on Yemen, he said the crisis in the country should be resolved through political means rather than military intervention.

Amir-Abdollahian argued that peace can be restored in Yemen only through negotiations between all conflicting sides and an end to Saudi Arabia's military aggression in the country.

  Saudi Ties

The parliament speaker's special advisor also commented on the strained relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia, saying that Iran never closed the door on the normalization of ties.

"We left open the door which we hope Saudi Arabia will enter and return its relationship with Iran back to normal," he said, adding that Riyadh should be given a chance to review its decisions.

  Nuclear Deal

On US President Donald Trump's repeated threats to withdraw from the nuclear deal, Amir-Abdollahian said a special committee has been established in Iran to monitor compliance with and implementation of the agreement.

According to him, the committee has considered various measures that will be taken by Iran if the accord collapses.

"If this happens, the committee's representatives will announce a more detailed plan," he added.

Trump gave the nuclear agreement a final reprieve on January 12 but warned European allies and the US Congress they have to work with him to fix "the disastrous flaws" in the pact or face a US exit.

Amir-Abdollahian also noted that the US administration seeks to interfere in Iran's missile program in its efforts to unravel the pact negotiated between Iran and the US, China, France, Russia, Britain, Germany, and the European Union.

Iran says its missile program is for defensive purposes only and cannot be negotiated.