Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed in phone talks on Thursday the prospects of the Iran nuclear deal in light of the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a source in Erdogan's administration told Sputnik.
"Today our President Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with the Russian leader Vladimir Putin. They discussed the US decision to withdraw from the nuclear agreement with Iran," the source said. "Both leaders, pointing out at the fallacy of this decision, stressed that the JCPOA is a diplomatic success that must be safeguarded," the source added.
Moreover, the Kremlin said in a statement on Friday that "they emphasized the importance in principle of the JCPOA for international and regional security, as well as for global nonproliferation. They reaffirmed Russia’s and Turkey’s commitment to work together with other parties to the Plan of Action and coordinate their further steps."
The presidents also discussed matters related to the Syrian peace process and the implementation of key bilateral projects.
Meanhwile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said earlier on Thursday in a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the remaining parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), must compensate for the US pullout from the agreement.
"Europe, and in particular the five countries negotiating with Iran, should clearly define their actions and stances to compensate for the withdrawal of the United States in the short time that is left," Rouhani said.
The Iranian President also pointed out that any new US sanctions against Iran were contrary to international rules and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the JCPOA, which requires Tehran to maintain a peaceful nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump also announced that he would re-impose US sanctions on the country. The US Treasury has already imposed sanctions against six individuals and three companies linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Earlier, Erdogan described the US decision as a mistake, adding that Ankara would never accept it.
SPUTNIK/MNA
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