Iran says Israel’s drone claims ridiculous

Russia calls to respect Syrian sovereignty

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday that Moscow is seriously concerned by the latest developments in Syria and calls on sides to exercise restraint and avoid an escalation of the situation.
“We urge all sides to exercise restraint and to avoid any actions that could lead to an even greater complication of the situation,” the ministry said in a statement. “It is necessary to unconditionally respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and other countries in the region.”
On the other hand, Iran issued its first official response to the events, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejecting as ridiculous reports that Israel had intercepted an Iranian drone launched from Syria. “Reports of downing an Iranian drone flying over Israel and also Iran’s involvement in attacking an Israeli jet are so ridiculous,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said.
He said that Iran only provides military advice to Syria. The statement said that Israel claims the drone entered Israeli airspace are a lie, adding that the drones were being used to combat the Islamic State. A senior official was quoted in the statement, saying he does not believe matters would develop into a regional war.
Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy head of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, declined to comment on the drone incident. “We cannot confirm this report on the drone because Israelis are liars… if Syrians confirm it, Iran will confirm it as well,” he said.