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Turkey reluctantly welcomes Iran deal

Observers say Iran deal will increase Tehran’s regional influence at a time when Ankara’s influence has waned.
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani shakes hands with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan after a news conference in Ankara June 9, 2014. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR3SXID

Turkey officially welcomed the framework agreement between six world powers and Iran, although some resentment, not to mention envy, was also discernible in government circles. There was, however, also a sense of admiration for what is seen as a major diplomatic coup for Tehran at a time when Ankara is isolated in the region.

The agreement with Iran also comes shortly after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly targeted Iran, telling it to stop interfering in Iraq and Yemen and vying for regional domination. Erdogan said this was “intolerable” and “must not be allowed to happen.” 

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