Tehran and Ankara have long-standing relations and common views on a range of issues and their cooperation will continue after the reelection of the Turkish president, says an international affairs analyst.
"Turkey and Iran have historical ties, and as neighbors share many common traits on bilateral and multilateral issues," Sabah Zanganeh said in an interview with ISNA published on Tuesday.
He described Erdogan's victory as a "positive" development, adding that cooperation between the two sides will continue, particularly on regional issues such as the situation in war-torn Syria.
Russia, Iran and Turkey began regular talks on the Syrian conflict in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan—which is not involved in the Syrian war—in early 2017.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan won sweeping new executive powers on Monday after his victory in elections that also saw his AK Party and its nationalist allies secure a majority in parliament.
With 99% of votes counted in the presidential race, Erdogan won 52.5%, well ahead of his main rival Muharrem Ince's 31%, Reuters reported.
Afrin Operation
"On certain issues related to Syria, Turkey has taken measures that are considered unacceptable by the Syrian government and have been criticized by regional countries, including Iran. But these issues can be resolved," the expert said, referring to the incursion of Turkish troops into the northwestern Syrian town of Afrin.
In March, Turkish forces swept into Afrin, raising their flags in the town center and declaring full control after an eight-week campaign to drive out Kurdish forces, opening a new front in the multi-sided civil war, according to Reuters. "Iran agrees with the Syrian government's stance that the area should be freed," Zanganeh was quoted as saying.
Syrian Land
Erdogan, 64, told supporters in a victory speech that Turkish forces would continue to "liberate Syrian lands" so that the 3.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey could return home safely.
The political analyst maintains that the Turkish president's win will help reinforce his policies in both the domestic and international arenas.
Erdogan's victory paves the way for another five-year term. Under the new constitution, he could serve a further term from 2023, taking him to 2028.
