The Turkish-Iranian Relationship: Balancing Tensions and Pursuing Peace in the Middle East.

Turkey has been at the center of much attention in recent years due to its relationship with Iran. The two countries have a long history of ties, dating back to the first shah of the Pahlavi dynasty and Atatürk. However, recent meetings between Turkish officials and their Iranian counterparts have sparked concerns about the nature of their relationship.

One such concern is the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, has taken an aggressive stance against Israel, leading projects like the land corridor project “Derech ha-Fithuh.” Despite this, Israel had hoped for potential cooperation with Fidan after his appointment as Foreign Minister last year. However, his recent statements and meetings indicate a different stance towards Israel.

Fidan believes that pro-Iranian militias in Iraq are prepared to confront the Kurdish underground (PKK) in the Sinjar region of northern Iraq. He also acknowledges the efforts of Qatar and Egypt to mediate between Israel and Hamas, revealing Turkey’s position as a non-active party in these negotiations. In addressing the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian issue, Fidan suggests a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders as a potential long-term solution. This proposal aligns with the views of many Palestinians, including Hamas, indicating a willingness to pursue peace.

The current geopolitical dynamics in the region reflect the complexity of Middle Eastern relations and the challenges faced in achieving lasting peace. As such, it remains to be seen how Turkey’s relationship with Iran will evolve in the future.