Turkey will increase its natural gas imports from Russia if needed, Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said Tuesday, adding that imports from Iran won't be hit by new U.S. sanctions.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Yildiz said Turkey would need more gas to fuel its economy if gross domestic product expands more than expected following a growth rate of 2.9% in the second quarter of this year. The government forecasts an economic expansion of 3.2% in 2012.

Mr. Yildiz said Turkey wants to diversify its natural gas and oil suppliers--the country imports oil from 11 countries and buys natural gas from five countries. "We may increase crude oil imports from Russia if needed," Mr. Yildiz said.

The comments about Iran come a day after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the country wouldn't change its position on importing Iranian gas despite the growing prospect of tougher U.S. sanctions.

The U.S. and Turkey also appear to be on a collision course over Turkey 's surging gold sales to Iran . The Senate and Treasury seek to cut off a trade the U.S. believes is emerging as one of Tehran 's primary conduits to export natural gas and evade Western sanctions.

The Senate Friday approved a measure that would tighten sanctions against Iran , targeting suppliers of materials that could be used to build ships and taking further aim at the country's port and energy businesses.
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