Tehran, Ankara tensions over president’s remarks

Iran’s foreign ministry summoned Turkey’s charge d’affaires to voice protest over comments made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan which accused Iran of trying to dominate the region and of meddling in regional developments.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham said on Sunday that Tehran has summoned Turkey’s charge d’affaires in the absence of the ambassador to express its protest and regret at Erdogan’s “unconventional and inappropriate” remarks.

“The strategic approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran toward the region and relations with the neighbours is founded on peace, stability and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect,” Afkham said.

She said Iran has called for a “clear and convincing” explanation from Turkey.