TEHRAN– In an interview with Iranian media, Hicabi Kirlangic, the Turkish ambassador to Tehran, has emphasized the importance of Iran's involvement in Turkey's efforts to normalize relations with Syria. 

As Turkey moves forward with its normalization efforts , Kirlangic, in remarks to Tasnim News Agency, expressed hope for collaboration with Iran.  "We need to make our own decisions and establish and solidify peace in the region," he concluded. "Iran and Turkey play a significant role in this regard, especially Iran's relationship with Syria can encourage Syria towards peace with Turkey."

The ambassador acknowledged differing perspectives between Turkey and Iran on the Syrian issue but stressed the need for cooperation. "We must be mindful of other powers and examine the situation carefully,” he noted. 

The diplomat addressed the complexities of the situation in Syria, acknowledging the historical tensions between Turkey and the Syrian government. He remarked, "Syria is one of our closest neighbors and culturally one of the countries closest to us. In the past, we have had various problems with Syria, particularly related to terrorism, but subsequent events in Syria are well known to all."

Kirlangic reiterated Turkey's commitment to Syria's territorial integrity, asserting, "The disintegration of Syria would mean an escalation of the crisis in the region. Maintaining Syria's territorial integrity has always been a priority for us; our stance on this matter is completely clear and evident."

The envoy’s remarks come despite repeated and constant airstrikes by Turkey against positions within the Arab country, which have been met with scathing condemnation from the Syrian government. Turkey often claims it is targeting Kurdish groups it deems as terrorists, but Damascus accuses Ankara of using terrorism as a pretext. 

'It is reasonable for Iran to respond to Haniyeh’s assassination'

The Turkish envoy also addressed Israel’s assassination of Hamas political Chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed on July 31 in a Tehran residence, saying it is reasonable for Iran to respond to the assassination. 

"I think it is reasonable for Iran to react. Any other country would show the same reaction. In some situations where countries lack power, they may not respond, but Iran is a large and powerful country with significant backing.”

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the ambassador stated, "Ismail Haniyeh was subjected to such a brutal attack and became a martyr while in Iran for the presidential inauguration, which is a grave incident, and that such an event occurred in the capital of Iran worsens the situation."

He continued, "In this regard, we cannot tell Iran to be patient and not respond harshly. Iran seems determined in this matter, but we cannot predict how they will respond. Time will reveal this; it may be a response they do not expect. Whether it will be a military response, we do not know either. But the greatest response is that it should be answered in such a way that they retreat and come to their knees, which is not solely Iran's responsibility; all countries in the region share that responsibility. It is unreasonable to just wait for Iran to act."

Kirlangic also pointed out the international community's reaction to the incident, saying, "What was sacrificed here was the opportunity for a ceasefire." He criticized the approach taken by Israel, stating, "Here, one side has attacked and then says let’s negotiate a ceasefire.”