Jahangiri Criticizes Turkish Officials' Statements 'Against the Sacred Values of the Iranian People'

Eshaq Jahangiri, the First Vice President of Iran, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following Erdogan's criticism regarding the publication of content against his family in Iranian media. Jahangiri addressed Erdogan, stating that 'your official officials have made many negative and incorrect statements against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the government, and the sacred values of the Iranian people.' According to ISNA, the meeting took place on Saturday, December 21, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, during the International Neutrality Conference. Erdogan expressed his grievances about the Iranian media's coverage of his family and called for media control. In response, Jahangiri pointed out that 'the media in Iran is not under government control and even writes against our government.' He told Erdogan, 'You have not heard any negative statements against the Turkish government from Iranian officials, while your officials have made many negative and incorrect statements against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the government, and the sacred values of the Iranian people.' Jahangiri did not provide further examples of these 'negative statements' in Turkish media. Following allegations in Russian media regarding Erdogan and his family's involvement in 'oil trade with ISIS,' some Iranian media repeated these accusations, prompting Erdogan's protest and warning. This led to a response from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, which invited Erdogan to 'observe decorum, mutual respect in relations, avoid adventurism, and be responsible in political stances.' In recent weeks, the downing of a Russian plane by Turkey and the entry of Turkish military forces into Iraq have faced criticism and reactions from Iranian media and even some officials. Jahangiri expressed concern over the recent tensions between Turkey and Russia, stating, 'We are worried about the tension that has arisen in the Turkey-Russia relationship and do not see this tension as beneficial for regional interests, and we are ready to help resolve this tension.' Erdogan also mentioned that Ankara does not welcome the escalation of tensions in the region and calls for dialogue to resolve misunderstandings. He stated, 'Iran-Turkey relations should not be influenced by other factors,' and announced, 'Efforts are being made to trap us in sectarian divisions, but we must resolve these issues as soon as possible and prove our brotherhood.'