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"If you ground flights, you're aiding terrorists whether you like it or not."
Rouhani made the remarks in response to a question from a journalist about why Iran was backing the Bashar al-Assad government and whether Iran would support calls to ground Russian and Syrian airplanes.
But on Thursday the Syrian army announced the launch of an offensive to retake the rebel-held east of Aleppo, despite Russian and US attempts to convene last-ditch talks in New York to save a ceasefire plan.
US Secretary of State John Kerry had demanded Wednesday that Russia force the Syrian government to ground its air force in order to revive hopes of a ceasefire after a UN aid convoy and a field clinic were bombed.
Rouhani said the second priority was a "fully engaged fight against terrorism" and third, paving a proper path towards governance for all.
Nearly 60 percent of Syrian territory is under the control of extremist groups Islamic State and Al-Nusra Front -- recently renamed Fateh al-Sham Front -- who behave like "savages" in beheading people and burning them alive, Rouhani said.
Iran had welcomed the Russian and US-brokered ceasefire plan, but warned Sunday that a monitoring system was needed to stop it being exploited by "terrorists".
Iran is a principle backer of Assad and calls for a political solution to the civil war, which is now in its sixth war. More than 300,000 have been killed and millions have been forced from their homes.
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Rouhani made the remarks in response to a question from a journalist about why Iran was backing the Bashar al-Assad government and whether Iran would support calls to ground Russian and Syrian airplanes.
But on Thursday the Syrian army announced the launch of an offensive to retake the rebel-held east of Aleppo, despite Russian and US attempts to convene last-ditch talks in New York to save a ceasefire plan.
US Secretary of State John Kerry had demanded Wednesday that Russia force the Syrian government to ground its air force in order to revive hopes of a ceasefire after a UN aid convoy and a field clinic were bombed.
Rouhani said the second priority was a "fully engaged fight against terrorism" and third, paving a proper path towards governance for all.
Nearly 60 percent of Syrian territory is under the control of extremist groups Islamic State and Al-Nusra Front -- recently renamed Fateh al-Sham Front -- who behave like "savages" in beheading people and burning them alive, Rouhani said.
Iran had welcomed the Russian and US-brokered ceasefire plan, but warned Sunday that a monitoring system was needed to stop it being exploited by "terrorists".
Iran is a principle backer of Assad and calls for a political solution to the civil war, which is now in its sixth war. More than 300,000 have been killed and millions have been forced from their homes.
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