Turkey accuses Iran of causing regional instability

A Turkish foreign ministry spokesman has accused Iran of causing tension and instability in the Middle East, saying that Tehran would not hesitate to send Afghan refugees to war zones in the region. Huseyin Muftuoglu made his remarks in response to his Iranian counterpart’s warning on Monday that his country’s patience with Turkey could run out.

According to Muftuoglu, Bahram Ghasemi’s remarks are “incomprehensible”, reported Anadolu. “Instead of accusing countries that have criticised Iran,” he added, “[Tehran] should take constructive steps and review its own regional policies.”

Read: Iran warns Turkey: Our patience has limits

Muftuoglu pointed out that Ghasemi’s tribute to his country’s regional policies — he described them as “fair” — contrasts dramatically with the fears of the UN and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation about Tehran’s policies.

Tension between Turkey and Iran increased after Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu slammed Tehran in a speech at the Munich Security Conference over the weekend. “Iran wants to make Syria and Iraq Shia,” he claimed.

Read: Turkey threatens to move on Kurdish-held stronghold in Syria

In response, Ghasemi warned Turkish officials on Monday “to watch their words” before insisting that its “patience” has limits. “Turkey is one of our important neighbours and it has enjoyed much of our assistance, especially after the failed coup,” Ghasemi told reporters in a press conference in Tehran.