Iran and Turkey represent two of the most influential and strategically significant nations in the broader Middle East region. Their relationship, characterized by a mixture of pragmatic cooperation and underlying competition, forms a crucial axis around which regional dynamics often revolve. Understanding the nuances of this partnership requires looking beyond simple headlines and examining the deep-seated historical ties, complex geopolitical calculations, and multifaceted economic interests that bind these two large nations.
Historical Context and Shared Heritage
The historical connection between the territories of modern-day Iran and Turkey stretches back millennia, forming a tapestry of empires, trade routes, and cultural exchanges. For centuries, regions that now constitute Turkey were part of successive Persian empires, notably during the Achaemenid and Sassanian periods, leaving an enduring legacy in art, architecture, and administrative practices. Conversely, Persian dynasties often looked towards Anatolia for strategic depth and resources, acknowledging the region's importance long before the establishment of the contemporary Turkish Republic. This long history creates a shared cultural vocabulary, even though the modern states have distinct national identities shaped by different linguistic roots—Persian and Turkic—and religious trajectories, with Iran being predominantly Shia and Turkey historically secular with a Sunni majority.
Geopolitical Realignment and Strategic Interests
In the post-Cold War era, particularly following the tumultuous events of the Arab Spring, Iran and Turkey have found themselves navigating a rapidly changing regional landscape. Both nations have sought to expand their influence, but their approaches have sometimes diverged, leading to a complex relationship that oscillates between alliance and rivalry. Turkey, under its Justice and Development Party, pursued a policy of "zero problems with neighbors," aiming to enhance its regional standing through economic engagement and diplomatic softness. Iran, facing international isolation primarily over its nuclear program, viewed Ankara as a vital gateway to the Mediterranean and a crucial partner for circumventing sanctions, thus forging a pragmatic partnership based on mutual strategic necessity.
Areas of Cooperation
Despite their differences, concrete areas of collaboration have proven resilient. Trade represents a cornerstone of the relationship, with bilateral commerce reaching significant volumes despite political headwinds. Iranian natural gas has been a critical energy source for Turkey, meeting a substantial portion of its energy needs, while Turkish manufactured goods, construction services, and food products flow into the Iranian market. Furthermore, both countries share a common interest in managing the Kurdish question, viewing the activities of Kurdish militant groups, particularly the PKK, as a direct threat to their territorial integrity and internal stability. This shared security concern has led to intelligence sharing and periodic military coordination, particularly in the context of the Syrian conflict where both have supported certain factions while opposing others.
Points of Tension and Divergence
The partnership is not without significant friction points that highlight the divergent long-term goals of the two states. The Syrian civil war serves as the most prominent arena for their strategic competition. Iran, alongside its ally Russia, has been a staunch supporter of the Bashar al-Assad regime, viewing its preservation as essential to maintaining a strategic corridor to Lebanon and its ally Hezbollah. Turkey, however, has primarily backed various opposition groups, seeking to topple Assad due to his brutal crackdown on Sunni Arabs and the resulting refugee crisis that has strained Turkish resources and security. This fundamental disagreement has on occasion manifested in direct military tensions, including artillery exchanges across their shared border.
Another persistent source of strain is the political trajectory of the Middle East. Turkey, under President Erdoğan, has increasingly embraced a neo-Ottoman foreign policy, positioning itself as a leader of the Muslim world and a counterbalance to traditional Western powers. Iran, while also positioning itself as a regional leader, is deeply wary of Turkish ambitions that could resurrect Sunni dominance in areas where Shia influence is growing. Furthermore, Iran's support for non-state actors like Hezbollah and various militias in Iraq and Syria is viewed with suspicion by Turkey, which sees these groups as destabilizing forces that could inspire Kurdish aspirations within its own borders.
