Turkey’s Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said on Friday: “The decisions taken by the United States on this issue are not binding for us. Of course, we will follow the United Nations on its decision. Other than this, we will only follow our own national interests. We will pay attention so our friend Iran will not face any unfair actions."
Meanwhile,Turkey's foreign minister also said, his country does not have to abide by "unilateral" U.S. decisions on Iran, suggesting that Ankara would not cut off trade with its neighbor.
Cavusoglu added: "The fact that we are allies does not mean that we have to abide by all its decisions or all that it says word by word."
He also said the U.S. should consult with Turkey on matters concerning the region.
The US State Department earlier this week called on all its allies to completely stop buying Iranian crude, and although many are trying to find a way around the sanctions, it is for now proving tricky and many buyers are winding down their purchases of Iranian crude.
At the same time, major oil importers such as Japan, South Korea and India, as well as European countries have said they will continue to buy Iranian crude oil.
