TEL AVIV, Jul. 31 (MNA) – Russia cannot force Iran to leave Syria where his presence is in line with the international law and plays an important role for combating terrorism in the country, Russian Ambassador to occupied territories Anatoly Viktorov told the Channel Ten broadcaster on Monday.

"We cannot," Viktorov said answering a question on whether Russia can force Iran to leave Syria. He pointed out the Iranian role in combating terrorism in the war-torn Syria.

The Russian ambassador also said that Moscow was not welcoming the Israeli regime's airstrikes on Syria.

Iran as well as Russia and Turkey are guarantors of the Syrian ceasefire regime and participants of the Astana reconciliation process. Both Moscow and Tehran are supporting incumbent Syrian President Bashar Assad and acting in the country on his request.

SPUTNIK/MNA