Iran and Turkey Explore New Security Architecture Amid Regional Tensions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s recent visit to Tehran underscores a potential realignment in regional dynamics, with both Iran and Turkey seeking common ground on security issues.
Fidan’s meetings with Iranian officials, including Seyed Abbas Araghchi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Ali Larijani, focused on regional cooperation, with a particular emphasis on addressing what both countries perceive as a shared threat from Israel. The visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations since the twelve-day war.
During discussions, both sides acknowledged the importance of regional stability and the need to counter-terrorism. Turkey’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza and halting aggression in the West Bank was also highlighted, showcasing its intention to play an active diplomatic role.
Analysts suggest that for Iran, closer ties with Turkey offer an opportunity to alleviate economic pressures amid sanctions and rising tensions with Israel. Cooperation in energy and trade could provide a more stable environment.
For Turkey, stable relations with Iran are crucial for energy security, managing the balance of power in Syria and Iraq, and combating terrorism. Given Iran’s influence over Hamas and Hezbollah, Turkey’s diplomatic efforts in Gaza could be strengthened through these contacts. Coordination between the two countries is vital in unstable regions such as Syria and Lebanon.
The presence of the new Turkish ambassador to Damascus in the delegation further signals a willingness to address the complex situation in Syria, where differing perspectives have historically posed challenges.
The evolving geopolitical landscape, including the weakening of Russia’s influence due to the conflict in Ukraine, allows Turkey and Iran to seek greater regional influence. The increasing activity of Israel in Syria and its contacts with the Syrian Democratic Forces, as well as its support for the formation of an autonomous Kurdish government, pose security threats to both Turkey and Iran.
Turkey advocates for the creation of an alternative security structure in Syria to counter the presence of the PKK and other terrorist organizations. Fidan’s visit can be seen as part of the search for a “new security architecture” for the region.
While the visit may not indicate full agreement on all aspects of the Syrian issue, it represents a positive step towards increased cooperation and coordination between Ankara and Tehran. Given Iran’s significant regional influence, these contacts could pave the way for closer monitoring of developments in Syria and joint actions in certain areas.
The discussions also highlighted the historically unstable relations between Turkey and Israel. While current developments do not appear to be leading the two sides towards direct conflict, the possibility of indirect conflict in other regions, particularly Syria, is more realistic. Scenarios such as psychological operations, intelligence activities, or assassinations could be considered.
The diplomatic language used during the meetings also provides clues about the importance of the visit. Hakan Fidan repeatedly referred to Araghchi as “my brother” during the session. Ali Larijani’s message, “Welcome to your home. Hoping for more cooperation between Iran and Turkey…,” indicates a sincere and constructive attitude of the two countries towards each other.
Throughout history, countries in the region have both competed and cooperated, sometimes working together to ensure mutual security and stability. Turkey and the Islamic Republic of Iran are two vital actors in regional security and peace. The diplomatic language used by the parties indicates that relations are progressing in a positive direction. However, it is still too early to call this the beginning of a new era, and the future course of events will depend on the steps taken.
