In an interview with Hezbollah’s al-Manar television network, Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad praised Russian support for his beleaguered regime and hailed the recently concluded nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 nations, saying that “The power of Iran is the power of Syria,” Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported today.

“We have strong confidence in the Russians, as they have proven throughout this crisis, for four years, that they are sincere and transparent in their relationship with us,” Assad said. …

He said the recent nuclear deal between Iran and world powers would strengthen Iran’s role internationally, in turn benefiting Syria.

“The power of Iran is the power of Syria, and a victory for Syria is a victory for Iran.”

Assad also justified the presence of Hezbollah fighters in Syria, saying that they were invited to protect the regime.

A week before Iran and the P5+1 powers announced the nuclear agreement, which Assad praised as a “great victory,” Tehran extended the Syrian ruler a $1 billion line of credit. In addition to providing the Syrian president with financial backing, Iran continues recruiting fighters, including deserters from the Syrian army and Afghan refugees, to support his regime.

[Photo: euronews (in English) / YouTube ]