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US Congressman Joe Wilson condemns Iran due to statements against Türkiye, Azerbaijan

US Congressman Joe Wilson condemns Iran due to statements against Türkiye, Azerbaijan Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) speaks about his experiences during a trip to Israel and Auschwitz-Birkenau as part of a bipartisan delegation from the House of Representatives on January 28, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
By Newsroom
Jan 1, 2025 10:36 AM

U.S. Representative Joe Wilson, chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, strongly criticized Iran’s recent statements targeting Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

In a post on social media, Wilson condemned what he described as “defamatory statements” from Iran against Türkiye, a NATO ally and Azerbaijan.

“I condemn the defamatory statements by the terrorist regime in Iran against NATO ally Türkiye and Azerbaijan. As is clear from Syria, NATO ally Türkiye is a critical partner to counter the terrorist regime in Tehran,” Wilson said.

Joe Wilson’s statement on X
US Congressman Joe Wilson condemns Iran due to statements against Türkiye, Azerbaijan
Incumbent candidate Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) speaks to a crowd at Sen. Lindsey Graham’s election night watch party on Nov. 3, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina. (AFP Photo)

Rising tensions following broadcast on Iranian state TV

Wilson’s remarks came after an event aired on Iranian state television, which included inflammatory rhetoric and insults directed at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

During the broadcast, speakers criticized both leaders’ regional policies and accused Türkiye of supporting separatist movements within Iran.

The program also featured religious rhetoric aimed at sowing division among ethnic and religious groups in the region.

Footages from the event aired on Iranian state television
US Congressman Joe Wilson condemns Iran due to statements against Türkiye, Azerbaijan
Reportedly Gholamreza Gholizadeh spoke during the live event in Iran. (X Photo)

Context of dispute

The televised event, reportedly orchestrated by figures including Gholamreza Gholizadeh, head of the Ansar al-Mahdi delegation in Ardabil, featured controversial speeches and inflammatory symbolism.

Last Updated:  Jan 1, 2025 10:36 AM