Khamenei to Erdogan: Military action in Syria would be 'detrimental'
2 Min Read
The Iranian leader meets with the Turkish president during the latter's visit to Tehran for a tripartite summit aimed at restoring peace and stability to Syria.
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Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that any military action in northern Syria would be "detrimental" to the region.
Sayyed Khamenei made the remarks during a meeting with Turkish Erdogan on Tuesday, who is in Tehran for a tripartite summit aimed at restoring peace and stability to Syria.
"This is definitely detrimental to Syria, Turkey, and the region and will not fulfill the political action expected by the Syrian government", he stated in reference to possible military actions that could be taken by Ankara.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian leader added that "terrorism must be opposed, but a military attack in Syria will also benefit terrorists."
He added that "the Syrian issue to be resolved through dialogue between Ankara, Damascus, Moscow, and Tehran".
Khamenei also told Erdogan that Iran would offer cooperation "in the fight against terrorism".
This comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on May 23 that the Turkish army intends to carry out military operations to combat terrorism at the Turkish state borders, explaining that his government "will start taking new steps to complete the safe zone 30 km north of Syria ".
On June 1, Erdogan spoke again of his goals in northern Syria, saying that Turkey will clear the areas of Tell Rifaat and Manbij in northern Syria from terrorists.
Ahead of the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin for a trilateral summit, Erdogan met with Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and Raisi in Tehran to discuss boosting bilateral ties between the two countries.
The Turkish president arrived in Tehran late Monday, leading a large delegation that included several cabinet ministers.
During his scheduled trip to Iran on July 18–19, Erdogan anticipates holding bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Turkish President's office announced on Sunday.
