The story: 

In Iran, controversy has erupted over the true extent of the previous military presence in Syria—and the circumstances of its withdrawal from the country. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Russian forces airlifted thousands of “Iranian fighters” out of Syria as rebels toppled former Syrian leader Bashar Al-Assad. 

Iranian authorities have denied the assertion. However, Putin’s statements have raised questions about Iran’s military deployment in Syria—and reignited debate on whether Moscow is a trustworthy...