Iranian-Turkish rapprochement against US sanctions
ISTANBUL, Syria (North Press) – A number of Turkish and Arab analysts said on Wednesday that Iran’s rapprochement and stance towards Turkey against US sanctions is because it finds in this an opportunity to stand up to Washington, which has repeatedly targeted it with similar sanctions.
Analysts believe that this rapprochement comes as a matter of interest rather than love for Turkey.
On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif condemned the US sanctions on Turkey.
“We strongly condemn the recent US sanctions against Turkey and stand with its people and its government,” Zarif added.
“Iranians take advantage of these sanctions against Turkey to remind the international community that they are victims of these unjust sanctions,” a source specializing in Turkish affairs, who preferred not to be named, told North Press.
“So far, the type of sanctions imposed on Turkey have not been determined, because they include several penalties, including severe and light ones, and Iran wants to exploit the situation in its favor and not love Turkey,” he added.
He pointed out that through these sanctions, “we can know the type of punishment that will be imposed on Turkey, because the goal is pressure, not punishment. The United States will not compromise its strategic relations with it.”
He stressed that the Iranian rapprochement is of interest in the first place, as Turkey is an economic and political outlet for Iran.
The US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on the Turkish Defense Industries Administration, and its head, Ismail Demir.
The Treasury Department website said in a statement that Washington has imposed sanctions on three other individuals associated with the Turkish Defense Industries Presidency.