Asia, EU, Turkey against ‘Unilateral’ US Sanctions on Iran: Turkish FM

Turkey has conveyed to the US that its sanctions on Iran that will come into effect on Nov. 4 is “unilateral,” speaking exclusively to Anadolu Agency, Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Çavuşoğlu said on Oct. 24.

In May, US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a 2015 landmark nuclear deal between Iran and the group5+1 of nations - the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

Trump began to reinstate US sanctions on Tehran in August, with sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector set to retake effect on Nov. 4.

The sanctions are expected to impact Iranian oil exports, which provide Tehran with the revenue needed to finance its national budget.

European Union countries along with Turkey have condemned Trump's action, vowing to find ways to bypass the re-imposed sanctions.

"We have conveyed (to the US) our necessary demands to get exemption on this issue," Çavuşoğlu stressed.

Çavuşoğlu said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had previously mentioned that Turkey is taking natural gas from Russia and Iran and if it does not have more options, the country would have to continue taking gas from those two countries.

He said the US took a decision, but it affects everyone.

"You can take a decision, but why do you want to punish other companies and countries? It is not a decision of the UN Security Council," Çavuşoğlu said.

He said Turkey has already told the US that the latter's decisions are unilateral and when the countries do not comply with it, the credibility of the US will be harmed.

"Therefore, before taking steps on these issues, you have to consult especially with the countries of the region. You have to consult with the countries doing trade with Iran," he said.

Çavuşoğlu said that the US has withdrawn from the nuclear deal with Iran unilaterally, but the European countries did not withdraw.

"It means that they value this deal," he added.