Iran Demands Immediate End to Turkish Strikes on Syria

In a statement on Thursday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed concern about Turkey’s military operation inside Syrian territories, cautioned against the humanitarian conditions under the strikes and the consequent threats to civilians in the areas of clashes, and called for an immediate end to the attacks and for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syrian soil.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran understands Turkey’s security concerns, and, as already stated, believes that the military action would not only not allay that country’s (Turkey’s) security concerns, but also cause extensive financial and humanitarian damages, and accordingly, voices its opposition to such a measure,” the statement read. 

“As already announced, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the current situation in the region to be a result of extra-regional interference, particularly from the United States,” it added.

Highlighting Iran’s policy of “settlement of problems within the framework of regional capacities,” the Foreign Ministry said Tehran is ready to play a role in mediation between Turkey and Syria, as it is already in contact with both countries.

Iran “maintains and believes that resolution of the tension would be possible only through peaceful measures and by respecting Syria’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the Adana agreement,” the statement concluded.

Iranian authorities, including President Hassan Rouhani, had urged the Ankara government to avoid taking military action in Syrian territories and reconsider its decision.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the offensive, which began with air raids on Tuesday, is aimed at removing Kurdish-led forces from the border area and creating a “safe zone” to which millions of Syrian refugees can be returned.