Meetings in Iran and Iraq, while Turkey backpedals

The parliaments of Iraq and Iran convene to discuss the referendum held in Southern Kurdistan while Turkey has backpedalled from “economic sanctions”.

The parliaments of Iraq and Iran convene to discuss the referendum held in Southern Kurdistan. Iraqi Parliament holds a session today chaired by Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi. The session includes discussions of steps to be taken against the referendum.

The Iranian Parliament will hold a closed session today to discuss the referendum and the Iranian National Security Council members will reportedly be attending the session.  Iranian Parliamentary Chair Alî Laricani spoke to the state television yesterday and called the referendum a “provocation”.

Iranian Parliamentary Chair’s Second Deputy Ali Muteheri said they need to “refrain from emotional acts” regarding the referendum and that he doubts Turkey’s harsh reaction against it as well. Muteheri said, “I am doubtful about Turkey’s harsh reaction. Iran should wait and observe what emerges.”

Meanwhile Turkish Minister of Economy Nihat Zeybekçi said an economic embargo against Southern Kurdistan is “dangerous talk” and added: “We will continue our activity regarding trade and the economy.” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said, “Habur [Border Gate] will not be closed.”