Speaking to reporters at a weekly presser on Monday, Esmaeil Baqaei said, “In our view, the step taken by Turkey, as reported in the media, was unnecessary and, based on the arguments we have made, is considered illegal, because the premises and assumptions underlying the action of the three European countries are all unlawful.”
He urged the friendly countries to refrain from giving effect to a measure that Iran regards as illegitimate.
Baqaei also downplayed the practical impact of the move, noting that the institutions and companies named under the sanctions did not have any assets in Turkey. “The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has also made its position clear, emphasizing that no assets in these accounts (in Turkey) have been frozen,” he added.
His reaction came after Turkey announced on Wednesday, following the activation of snapback, that it has frozen the assets of dozens of individuals and entities connected to Iran’s nuclear program.
State media reported that the move affects the assets and bank accounts of 20 Iranian individuals and 18 entities, including organizations tied to nuclear fuel production, uranium enrichment, shipping, and energy.
The Turkish government claimed that the measure was aimed at curbing activities linked to Iran’s nuclear program and aligned with international restrictions.