Do Iran And Turkey Get Along? Unpacking A Complex Relationship
The relationship between Iran and Turkey is often viewed through a simplistic lens, but the reality is far more intricate than a straightforward 'friend or foe' dichotomy. As two historical powers in the Middle East, their interactions are shaped by centuries of shared borders, ideological differences, geopolitical ambitions, and pragmatic necessities. Understanding whether Iran and Turkey truly get along requires a deep dive into their historical ties, competing interests, and surprising areas of cooperation.
From the ancient empires that once dominated the region to the modern states navigating a volatile geopolitical landscape, Tehran and Ankara have maintained a complex relationship. They are neighbours sharing a 560 km border, unchanged for nearly 400 years, yet their respective visions for regional influence frequently clash. This article will explore the multifaceted dynamics that define the relationship between Iran and Turkey, revealing why it is a delicate balance of rivalry and reluctant partnership.
Table of Contents
- A Historical Tapestry: Centuries of Intertwined Destinies
- Ideological Fault Lines: Sunni vs. Shia, Secular vs. Islamist
- Geopolitical Chessboard: Competing Spheres of Influence
- Areas of Pragmatic Cooperation: Bridging the Divide
- Points of Contention: Unresolved Issues
- The NATO Factor: A Geopolitical Wedge
- What Does the Future Hold for Iran-Turkey Relations?
A Historical Tapestry: Centuries of Intertwined Destinies
The roots of the relationship between Iran and Turkey run deep, stretching back to the powerful Persian and Ottoman empires. These two colossal entities frequently warred through the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, shaping the geopolitical contours of the Middle East and beyond. Despite periods of intense conflict, their shared border has remarkably remained unchanged for almost 400 years, a testament to a long-standing, albeit often tense, coexistence. This enduring frontier underscores a fundamental reality: Iran and Turkey are inextricably linked by geography. In a more modern context, attempts at formal cooperation have also emerged. In 1964, Iran and Turkey, alongside Pakistan, founded the Regional Cooperation and Development Organization (RCD). This initiative aimed to promote economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among its members, highlighting a historical willingness to engage on shared interests, even amidst underlying rivalries. The existence of Turkish consulates general in Tabriz, Orumiyeh, and Mashhad, in addition to the embassy in Tehran, and Iran's embassy in Ankara with consulates general in Istanbul, Trabzon, and Erzurum, further illustrate the deep-seated diplomatic and commercial ties that facilitate ongoing interaction, regardless of political fluctuations. This intricate historical backdrop is crucial for understanding the nuanced answer to "do Iran and Turkey get along?"Ideological Fault Lines: Sunni vs. Shia, Secular vs. Islamist
One of the most significant factors complicating the relationship between Iran and Turkey is the profound ideological divide that underpins their respective state structures and foreign policy orientations. Iran is a theocracy, rooted in the Shia sect of Islam, and views itself as the defender of Shiite interests across the region. It champions what it calls the "resistance axis," a network of allies and proxies aimed at countering perceived Western and Israeli influence. This ideological commitment shapes its assertive foreign policy and its relationships with various non-state actors. Conversely, Turkey is a Sunni-majority country, though nominally secular. However, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, Turkey has increasingly projected itself as a champion of Sunni Muslims and a leading voice in the broader Islamic world. This divergence in religious and political identity often places them at odds, particularly in conflicts where sectarian lines are drawn. Within Turkey itself, both secular and conservative circles generally do not favor Iran's theocratic ideology, creating an internal dynamic that influences Ankara's approach to Tehran. This fundamental ideological chasm often makes it difficult for Iran and Turkey to fully get along, even when strategic interests align.Geopolitical Chessboard: Competing Spheres of Influence
The question of "do Iran and Turkey get along" becomes particularly complex when examining their competing geopolitical ambitions. Both countries aspire to be leading regional powers, and this often translates into proxy conflicts and rivalries across various theaters.Syria: A Proxy Battleground
The Syrian civil war stands as a prime example of where Ankara and Tehran back opposing forces. Iran has been a staunch supporter of the Assad regime, viewing it as a crucial link in its "resistance axis" extending to the Mediterranean – a historical superhighway from where Iran has seen numerous invasions throughout history. Turkey, on the other hand, has supported various opposition groups, aiming to secure its southern border, counter Kurdish aspirations, and reshape the Syrian political landscape. Despite this fundamental disagreement, the situation is not entirely black and white. Turkey needs Iran's support to achieve some of its top foreign policy goals in Syria, particularly regarding the Kurdish issue. Therefore, within this context, Turkey and Iran will likely be keen to prevent their Syrian proxy conflicts from escalating into direct confrontation. This mutual recognition of shared, albeit limited, interests forces a degree of pragmatic engagement, even as they remain at odds.The Caucasus: Karabakh's Shifting Sands
The South Caucasus is another region where Iran and Turkey's interests diverge. In Karabakh, Iran backs Armenia, driven by its concerns about border security, regional stability, and the potential for pan-Turkic influence spreading from Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Turkey strongly supports Azerbaijan, rooted in ethnic and linguistic ties ("one nation, two states") and a broader vision of Turkic solidarity. This dynamic played out prominently during the recent conflicts in Karabakh, where Turkey provided significant military and diplomatic support to Azerbaijan. Despite these differing allegiances, there have been attempts to foster regional cooperation. The "3+3 cooperation format," for instance, was intended to bring together Russia, Turkey, and Iran along with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to work together on security, economic, and transportation affairs within the region, indicating a recognition that shared regional stability can sometimes override individual proxy preferences.Palestine and Israel: Divergent Approaches
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict reveals another facet of their complex relationship. Vitriolic criticism of Israel is nothing new for Iran, whose opposition to Israel is a pillar of state ideology. Iran overtly supports Hamas, viewing it as a key component of its "resistance axis." Turkey, while historically a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, has pursued normalization with Israel at various points. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has frequently criticized Israel during his 20 years in power, and like Iran, Türkiye strongly supported South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This demonstrates a nuanced position for Turkey, allowing for diplomatic engagement with Israel while maintaining a strong stance on Palestinian rights, which sometimes aligns with, and sometimes diverges from, Iran's more absolute opposition.The Gulf and Western Isolation: A Strategic Balancing Act
Iran remains at odds with nearly all neighboring states in the Gulf, contributing to its broader regional isolation. Furthermore, Iran is a country isolated by the West, facing extensive international sanctions due to its nuclear armament program and other policies. This isolation contrasts sharply with Turkey's position; Turkey's biggest trade is with the West, and it is a member of NATO, a cornerstone of the Western alliance. Despite these significant differences, Iran understands that Turkey can still be helpful in the context of Iran's standoff with the West. First, in a world where Iran has few friends, Turkish willingness to act as a mediator is recognized by seasoned diplomats in Tehran as valuable. Second, Turkey has, to a certain extent, implemented UN sanctions resolutions against Iran. For example, Turkey froze 16 defense contracts worth billions of dollars since March 2010, including suspending a $5 billion deal for 1,000 Merkava Mk 3 tanks. This demonstrates Turkey's careful balancing act: maintaining its Western alliances while preserving a channel with Iran, a crucial neighbor. This strategic utility from Iran's perspective is another reason why, despite their differences, Iran and Turkey find ways to manage their relationship.Areas of Pragmatic Cooperation: Bridging the Divide
Despite the deep-seated ideological differences and geopolitical rivalries, Iran and Turkey also engage in significant areas of pragmatic cooperation. This cooperation is often driven by mutual necessity and shared challenges, demonstrating that the answer to "do Iran and Turkey get along" is not simply "no." One key area is counterterrorism and fighting drug trafficking. Both countries face threats from various non-state actors and cross-border criminal networks, making cooperation in these fields a practical imperative. Furthermore, energy cooperation serves as a significant appeasement mechanism. Turkey is motivated to appease Iran through means such as energy cooperation, given its energy needs and Iran's vast resources. Iran has historically been a major economic partner for Turkey, highlighting the economic interdependence that often transcends political disagreements. Diplomatic engagement remains active, even at the highest levels. For instance, H.E. Hüseyin Emir Abdullahiyan, former Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, paid a visit to Türkiye on November 1, 2023, to address bilateral and regional issues. Similarly, Hakan Fidan, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Türkiye, visited Iran on September 3, 2023. These high-level exchanges underscore a continuous commitment to dialogue and managing their complex relationship. The extensive network of embassies and consulates further facilitates this ongoing interaction, ensuring that channels of communication remain open even when tensions rise.Points of Contention: Unresolved Issues
While cooperation exists, several unresolved issues continue to strain the relationship and prevent Iran and Turkey from fully getting along. These points of contention often highlight the underlying mistrust and competing national interests. One significant issue revolves around the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkey has previously criticized Iran’s stance on the PKK and provided evidence of Iran’s alleged support for the group, but the Iranians have consistently rejected all such documents. This accusation, though denied, points to a persistent source of friction, particularly concerning cross-border security and regional stability. Furthermore, the way Turkey deals with the Iraqi Kurds, terrorism in general, and relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan (as discussed earlier) remain sensitive topics. Another critical, yet often overlooked, point of contention is the amount of water withdrawal from the Aras, Tigris, and Euphrates rivers. As upstream and downstream countries, water management in these shared river basins is a vital strategic issue that can lead to significant disputes if not managed cooperatively. These ongoing disagreements demonstrate that despite shared interests, fundamental policy differences persist, making the question of "do Iran and Turkey get along" a perpetually nuanced one.The NATO Factor: A Geopolitical Wedge
A crucial differentiating factor in the relationship between Iran and Turkey is their respective international alignments. Turkey belongs to NATO, the transatlantic military alliance, which firmly places it within the Western security architecture. This membership implies certain obligations and strategic orientations that often conflict with Iran's independent, anti-Western stance. The Islamic Republic, by contrast, cherishes its autonomy and has historically pursued a foreign policy aimed at resisting external influence, particularly from the United States and its allies. This fundamental geopolitical divergence creates an inherent wedge in how Iran and Turkey perceive global order and regional security. Turkey's NATO membership means it operates within a framework that views Iran's nuclear program and regional activities with suspicion. While Turkey might act as a mediator for Iran with the West, its ultimate allegiance lies with NATO. This structural difference in their international positions means that while pragmatic cooperation can occur, a complete alignment of strategic interests, or a scenario where Iran and Turkey fully get along, remains highly improbable as long as these foundational geopolitical realities persist.What Does the Future Hold for Iran-Turkey Relations?
The complex relationship between Iran and Turkey is unlikely to undergo a significant shift in the foreseeable future. The historical baggage, deep-seated ideological differences, and competing geopolitical ambitions will continue to shape their interactions. Both states will likely persist in competing over influence in Syria and the Caucasus, supporting opposing proxies as part of a broader proxy conflict. Iran's isolation by the West and Turkey's strong ties to it will also remain a defining feature. However, the pragmatic necessity of coexistence and the existence of shared interests mean that cooperation is expected to persist in specific, vital areas. Counterterrorism, fighting drug trafficking, and economic and energy cooperation are likely to remain pillars of their engagement. Diplomatic channels, as evidenced by recent foreign minister visits, will continue to be utilized to manage bilateral and regional issues, preventing escalations where possible. The answer to "do Iran and Turkey get along" will continue to be a qualified "sometimes, on some issues, out of necessity." It is a relationship defined by a delicate balance, where rivalry and cooperation are not mutually exclusive, but rather two sides of the same enduring coin.We hope this deep dive has shed light on the intricate dynamics between Iran and Turkey. What are your thoughts on their complex relationship? Do you see more cooperation or competition in their future? Share your insights in the comments below! If you found this article informative, please consider sharing it with others who might be interested in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
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