PHOTO: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with the Supreme Leader, January 2014
Iran’s leadership has denounced the coup attempt against the Erdoğan Government in Turkey.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed “deep concern” on Friday night, amid the rising by part of the military in Turkey’s largest city Istanbul and capital Ankara:
Deeply concerned about the crisis in Turkey. Stability, democracy & safety of Turkish people are paramount. Unity & prudence are imperative.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) July 15, 2016
A few hours later, as the coup failed after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called on the public to take to the streets, Zarif said:
Turkish people's brave defense of democracy & their elected government proves that coups have no place in our region and are doomed to fail.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) July 16, 2016
See Turkey Special: Erdogan Fends Off Coup Attempt
Turkey Developing: Dissident Military Attempts Coup Against Erdogan Government
Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi offered wishes for “security and stability” for Turkey. He tipped off one of the reasons for Tehran’s swift reaction, its concern about its own internal situation: “Our military, security, and intelligence forces have been put on alert to the necessary extent. Our borders are completely under control.
The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, echoed the Islamic Republic’s concern about instability and the assurance that “Iran is in full control of all its ground and aerial borders with Turkey”.
Iran and Turkey have been on opposite sides of regional issues such as the Syrian crisis. However, Ankara is an important economic partner as Tehran seeks recovery after years of sanctions. The two countries have set a target of $35 billion in trade by the end of 2016.
