NEW YORK, NY—Turkey has declined a request by the United Nations to inspect Iranian cargo passing through its borders.
The call for inspection of Iranian cargo comes amid the latest UN Security Council resolution imposing sanctions on Iran for its continued nuclear activities.
Turkey objected to the UN request on the ground that it hindered its friendly ties with the Islamic Republic.
Turkey also voted against the imposition of UN sanction against Iran.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani stated that Iran will retaliate if its cargo is subject to inspection by the West.
“We warn the US and certain adventurist countries that if they are tempted to inspect Iranian air and ship cargos, we will take tough action against their ships in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman”, said Larijani.
Turkey and Iran have recently expanded their political, social, and economic ties. The Turkish President, Abdullah Gul, made a recent visit to Tehran to strengthen relationships between the two Islamic neighbors.
He headed a 300 person delegation that included businesses and investors.
During his visit to Iran, the Turkish President met with high ranking Iranian officials including the Iran’s Supreme leader and the Speaker of Parliament, Ali Larijani.
The two nations agreed to boost their trade ties to $30 billion per year.
Turkey’s refusal to inspect Iranian cargo passing through its borders was a move to preserve its close ties with the Islamic Republic.
Turkey’s action opens the door for Iran to smuggle weapons and materials to its proxy forces in Palestine and Lebanon.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah receive financial and military assistance from the Islamic republic and stand ready to attack Israel on the orders of the cleric led government based in Tehran.
Iran considers the UN mandate on inspecting and restricting the flow of Iranian cargo a violation of international law.
Turkey is a major border crossing for cargo entering and leaving Iran.
via Turkey Says No to Inspecting Iranian Cargo | GroundReport.
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