What Support Does Erdogan Expect from Russia and Iran

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated in a conversation with journalists that Ankara expects support from the Russian Federation and Iran regarding a counter-terrorism operation to be carried out 30 km deep into Syrian territory from Turkey's borders. This was reported by the Turkish news agency Anadolu.

Erdogan emphasized that the issue of conducting a new counter-terrorism operation in northern Syria will remain on Ankara's agenda as long as the threat to Turkey's national security persists. “Ankara will not be deceived by the terrorists' attempts to mislead the Turkish army with the waving of Bashar al-Assad's regime flags in northern Syria. These tricks will not work,” assured President Erdogan.

He added that Turkey expects support from Russia and Iran for conducting a counter-terrorism operation 30 km deep into Syrian territory. “Participants of the Astana process say that America should withdraw from eastern Euphrates. The results reflect Turkey's expectations,” the president said.

According to Erdogan, the guarantor countries of the Astana process advocate for the resolution of all conflicts in Syria based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Erdogan stated that he has once again shared Ankara's position with partners on the necessity of continuing the political process regarding Syria effectively.

“We have also reaffirmed Ankara's stance on the fight against terrorism, uninterrupted humanitarian supply, security, and the voluntary return of refugees to Syria. Agreements with partners have been emphasized on these issues during the Astana process,” the president said.

“Putin's stance on the Astana process is the same as it was at the beginning of the Astana process. Regarding Tehran, some changes are occurring against the backdrop of the presidential change, but a country like Iran does not change its attitude towards issues so quickly,” he added.

At the same time, he emphasized that Turkey recognizes Syria's territorial integrity. Iran's spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Turkey to refrain from launching military operations in northern Syria during a meeting with President Erdogan on July 19. “That intention would indeed harm both Syria and Turkey, as well as the entire region,” Khamenei stated. “Syrian issues should be resolved through dialogue, and Russia, Iran, and Turkey should address this issue through negotiations,” he noted.

On July 2, Syrian President Bashar Assad accused the Turkish leadership of trying to justify its planned intrusion into Syrian territory with an imagined pretext. According to him, Ankara's actions represent a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter, as well as principles of friendship. Earlier, Erdogan had stated that the Republic’s armed forces intended to carry out a new cross-border operation in northern Syria, particularly in Tel Rifaat and Manbij, and subsequently, the military operations, according to him, would include Ayn al-Arab and Ayn Issa, as reported by TASS.