WarSclerotic

Russian President Vladimir Putin says any talks about the withdrawal of Iranian forces from Syria would be contingent on providing security guarantees for Syria.

Putin said Thursday that Russia helped negotiate the pullback of Iranian forces from the border with Israel over the summer.

Israel and the United States have demanded the withdrawal of all Iranian forces from Syria.

Putin said at an international policy forum in Sochi that the issue could be discussed between Iran, Syria and the United States, with Russia joining the dialogue.

He said Syria should be offered security guarantees by “those who want to see the Iranian forces’ pullout.”

Russia and Iran have staunchly supported Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government, helping turn the tide of the conflict in its favor.

Putin further lauded Turkey’s efforts to set up a demilitarized zone in Syria’s northern province of Idlib.

Putin said Thursday that even though the Oct. 15 deadline for the withdrawal of Syrian radical groups and heavy weapons from the zone has not been fully met, Russia sees that Turkey is doing its best to accomplish the task.

The Turkey-Russia deal reached last month calls for the removal of all members of Syrian radical groups and heavy weapons from the 15-20 kilometer (9-12 mile) deep demilitarized zone in Idlib.

“[Our] Turkish partners are doing all they can to fulfill their obligations,” he said, adding that Turkey has been acting “in a tough and efficient way” to enforce the deal.