U.S. Told Iran That Their Intention Was To Strike Islamic State Targets In Syria But Were Not Going To Target Assad's Forces

The guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea launches a Tomahawk cruise missile, as seen from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, in the Arabian Gulf, September 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Garst/U.S. Navy

Exclusive: U.S. Told Iran Of Intent To Strike Islamic State In Syria -- Reuters

(Reuters) - The United States informed Iran in advance of its intention to strike Islamic State militants in Syria and told Tehran that it would not target the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

"Iran was concerned about Assad's position and his government being weakened in case of any action against IS (Islamic State) in Syria and brought this issue up in meetings with Americans," a senior Iranian official said on condition of anonymity.

"This issue was first discussed in Geneva and then was discussed thoroughly in New York where Iran was assured that Assad and his government will not be targeted in case of any military action against Daesh (Islamic State) in Syria."

He added that Iran was informed separately in advance of the airstrike.

Read more ....

My Comment: Iran's response to U.S. and Arab coalition air strikes on ISIS targets in Syria was predictable .... Iran Leader Criticizes U.S. Strikes on ISIS in Syria, Calls Them Illegal (NBC)