Turkey reluctantly welcomes Iran deal
Observers say Iran deal will increase Tehran’s regional influence at a time when Ankara’s influence has waned.
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.”
Ironically, though, Erdogan was in Tehran on April 7 for an official visit, less than two weeks after he lashed out at Iran, and his conciliatory tone while there was noted. This is seen as another sign of weakness by Ankara, which clearly cannot afford to sever ties with Tehran for a host of strategic reasons that transcend Erdogan’s Sunni-based ideological leanings.
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was the first to welcome Iran’s nuclear deal while answering questions for reporters in Vilnius during an official visit. Cavusoglu could not conceal his resentment, however, over the fact that Turkey had been sidelined in the Iran talks.
