Iranian FM Calls on Regional Countries to Act More Responsibly

In a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday, Zarif underlined that the countries in the region should act responsibly with regard to the current conditions and refrain from exacerbating the situation.

The Iranian top diplomat also referred to a recent decision by Turkey’s parliament to authorize military operations in Iraq and Syria, and criticized the path so far taken to confront terrorism in the region.

He further voiced concern about any measures that could further complicate the conditions in the region.

Cavusoglu, for his part, explained about the issue of Ankara’s military operations in Iraq and Syria, and underlined that Turkey is committed to respecting the territorial integrity and independence of the region’s countries.

Turkey’s parliament on Thursday voted 298-98 in favor of the motion that would provide the legal grounds for Ankara to deploy forces to Iraq and Syria. The motion will last for one year.

Political analysts believe that the controversial decision by the lawmakers paves the way for Turkey to launch attacks against the ISIL Takfiri terrorists, members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and even Syrian government forces.

The Turkish government, according to the motion, could also allow foreign forces to use the country’s soil for their operations.