Turkey to Defy US Sanctions, Maintain Trade Ties With Iran

EghtesadOnline: Turkey intends to defy US President Donald Trump and continue its strong bilateral trade links with Iran, the Turkish ambassador to Tehran announced on Sunday.

News ID: ۷۴۵۹۱۳

20 August 2018

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Turkish Ambassador Riza Hakan Tekin said his country won’t comply with “illegal US sanctions on Iran”, claiming the sanctions should conform to international law and be based on international consensus.

“We will do our best to prevent Tehran-Ankara relations from being affected by the US sanctions against Iran and our country doesn’t have to act in compliance with US unilateral decisions on Iran,” Financial Tribune quoted him as saying.

“Turkey imports half of its crude oil from Iran and it is impossible to meet the US demand to stop purchasing Iran’s oil.”

The ambassador noted that Turkey complies with sanctions that are in line with the international laws.

“Our country has always adhered to this criterion, but unilateral sanctions that are against the stance of the international community are not legitimate and binding,” he said.

President Trump announced the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the reinstitution of economic sanctions on Iran on May 8.

The original deal was brokered by former US president, Barack Obama.

The reimposed sanctions will hit Iran’s gold and precious metals trade and its automotive industry. The measures took effect on August 7. Other sanctions on the country’s oil industry are expected to resume on November 4.