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As companies rush to Iran, Turkey slow to wake up to opportunity

As Western companies have already set up camp in Tehran, Turkey’s business circles are waiting and hoping, but political tensions with Iran do not bode well for openings to Turkey.
Turkcell Chief Executive Sureyya Ciliv speaks during a news conference to present the T40 smart phone, the company's new product, in Istanbul August 20, 2013. The T40 will be available to customers at the end of September. Turkcell is the leading mobile phone operator in Turkey. REUTERS/Murad Sezer (TURKEY - Tags: BUSINESS TELECOMS LOGO) - RTX12RDM
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As the nuclear accord was finalized between Iran and six world powers, Turkey once again found itself on the wrong side of history. Some believe the economic opportunities that will emerge after the lifting of the embargo and sanctions on Iran will be mind-boggling. Normally Turkey would be the first beneficiary of such opportunities, but this will not be so. Both the government and the Turkish business world were caught unprepared for this historic accord.

The monumental accord came at a time when Turkey was in conflict with Tehran over the civil war in Syria, struggle for power in Iraq and intervention in Yemen. Only a few days ago, the Turkish public was speculating about whether Iran would attack Turkey if Turkey intervenes in Syria.

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