Iran grants Russia use of a base to attack ISIS in Syria
Russian warplanes have reportedly taken off from a base in Iran to target ISIS fighters in Syria, according to Russia's Defence Ministry, stepping up its campaign in the Syrian civil war. This suggests cooperation at the highest level between Iran and Russia, being the first time in recent history that Iran has allowed another major power to use one of its bases to stage attacks. Both Russia and Iran are key allies of embattled Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad.

A still image, taken from video footage, shows a Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range bomber based in Iran dropping off bombs at an unknown location in Syria. Photo: Reuters