PhotoMOSCOW — Russian bombers launched attacks in Syria from an Iranian air base for the first time on Tuesday, potentially altering the political and military equation in the Middle East. Long-range Tupolev-22M3 bombers, which would otherwise have to fly from Russia, used an Iranian base near Hamadan to hit a series of targets inside Syria, according to a brief statement from the Russian Defense Ministry. The agreement to let Russia use the base significantly deepens the country’s military role in the region, most obviously in Iran. And it could help solidify Russia as the main broker of any future peace agreement in Syria. There had been a sense this year, especially in the crucial battleground of Aleppo Province, that momentum was on the side of the Syrian government and its allies.

Source: New York Times August 16, 2016 12:02 UTC