Do Turkey And Iran Get Along? A Deep Dive Into Complex Relations

Clarissa Swaniawski III 21 Jun 2025

The question, "Do Turkey and Iran get along?", delves into one of the most intricate and dynamic geopolitical relationships in the Middle East and beyond. Far from a simple 'yes' or 'no,' the ties between Ankara and Tehran are a tapestry woven with threads of historical camaraderie, fierce competition, strategic cooperation, and deep-seated ideological differences. In this informative article, we will take a closer look at the intricate relationship between Turkey and Iran, exploring the multifaceted layers that define their engagement on the regional and international stage.

For centuries, these two powerful nations have coexisted as neighbours, sharing a 560 km long border that has remained largely unchanged for almost 400 years. This enduring geographical proximity has necessitated a delicate balance, often leading to periods of careful management of tensions. However, recent shifts in the regional balance of power have increasingly put Turkey and Iran at odds, challenging the traditional frameworks of their interaction. Understanding this complex interplay requires examining their shared history, their competing ambitions, their areas of cooperation, and the underlying cultural and political currents that shape their future.

Historical Context: A Border Unchanged for Centuries

The shared border between Turkey and Iran, stretching 560 kilometres, stands as a testament to nearly four centuries of continuous, if not always harmonious, coexistence. This enduring frontier, established by the Treaty of Zuhab in 1639, has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, yet remained largely intact, underscoring a fundamental reality: Turkey and Iran are inextricably linked by geography. This long history has fostered a complex relationship, characterized by both mutual respect and underlying suspicion, cooperation and fierce rivalry. While both nations boast rich imperial legacies – the Ottoman Empire for Turkey and various Persian empires for Iran – their modern identities have diverged significantly, shaping their contemporary foreign policies.

For decades, Turkey and Iran navigated their relationship through a careful balancing act, often prioritizing stability along their shared border and economic ties over ideological friction. This pragmatic approach allowed them to manage tensions, even when their regional interests diverged. However, the early 21st century brought about profound shifts in the regional landscape, particularly following the Arab Spring uprisings and the subsequent power vacuums. These changes have pushed Ankara and Tehran into more direct competition, challenging the long-standing equilibrium and forcing them to reassess their strategies. The question of "Do Turkey and Iran get along?" has thus become more pertinent than ever, as their historical prudence is tested by new geopolitical realities.

The Proxy Chessboard: Syria and Regional Influence

At the heart of the growing tensions between Turkey and Iran lies their intense competition for regional influence, particularly evident in the proxy conflicts that have reshaped the Middle East. The two states have a complex relationship, competing over influence in Syria and the Caucasus through supporting opposing proxies as part of a proxy conflict. This dynamic illustrates the core challenge to the question, "Do Turkey and Iran get along?" – while they are neighbours, their visions for regional order often clash directly.

Syria: A Battleground of Ideologies

Nowhere is the proxy conflict between Turkey and Iran more pronounced than in Syria. Turkey and Iran are fighting a proxy war in the country, each backing diametrically opposed forces. While Turkey backs the Free Syrian Army (FSA) that sought to overthrow Syrian dictator Bashar Assad and remove Russian forces from the country, Iran backs Assad and local Shi’ite elements. This fundamental divergence has turned Syria into a critical battleground where Ankara and Tehran vie for strategic advantage. Turkey's primary goal in Syria has been to counter Kurdish aspirations along its southern border and to prevent the establishment of a contiguous Kurdish entity, while also supporting Sunni opposition groups. Iran, conversely, has been steadfast in its support for the Assad regime, viewing it as a crucial component of its "Axis of Resistance" against perceived Western and Israeli influence, and as a vital land bridge to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Despite these profound differences, the Syrian conflict also highlights a curious paradox in their relationship: although Ankara and Tehran back opposing forces within Syria, Ankara needs Tehran’s support to achieve one of its top foreign policy goals. This is particularly true regarding the Idlib de-escalation zone and certain counter-terrorism operations, where a degree of coordination, albeit uneasy, has been necessary. Therefore, Turkey is motivated to appease Iran through other means, such as energy cooperation, to facilitate tactical understandings in Syria. This complex dance of conflict and limited cooperation is a hallmark of how Turkey and Iran get along, or rather, manage to coexist amidst profound disagreement.

Beyond Syria: Competing Ambitions in the Caucasus and Beyond

The competition between Turkey and Iran extends far beyond the Syrian theatre, spilling into other strategic regions, most notably the Caucasus. As tensions between Iran and Turkey grow, experts in Tehran warn about Iran’s declining regional influence and Ankara’s ambition to restore the Ottoman Empire. This perception of Turkish expansionism, coupled with Iran's own desire to maintain its traditional spheres of influence, fuels rivalry in areas where their interests intersect. The question of "Do Turkey and Iran get along?" becomes even more intricate when considering these broader geopolitical aspirations.

The Caucasus: A New Arena for Influence

The South Caucasus, bordering both Turkey and Iran, has emerged as a significant arena for their competing ambitions. The recent Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which saw Azerbaijan (strongly backed by Turkey) achieve significant gains against Armenia (traditionally closer to Russia and, to a lesser extent, Iran), underscored Turkey's growing assertiveness in the region. Turkey’s pivot toward Central Asia, a region historically influenced by both Russia and Iran, further adds to this dynamic. This push is perceived by Tehran as an encroachment on its northern flank and traditional trade routes. Iran, in turn, has sought to maintain its ties with Armenia and has expressed concerns over potential changes to its border with Armenia, which could arise from new transportation corridors proposed by Azerbaijan and Turkey.

This regional competition is not limited to military or political influence. It also involves economic and transportation affairs. A notable cooperation format 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. While such initiatives suggest potential for multilateral cooperation, they also serve as platforms where underlying rivalries can play out. The blockade of Qatar and the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan are other examples of regional shifts where Turkey and Iran found themselves on opposing sides or with differing priorities, further complicating the narrative of whether Turkey and Iran get along.

Navigating Tensions: Diplomacy, Trade, and Energy Cooperation

Despite the intense competition and proxy conflicts, the relationship between Turkey and Iran is not solely defined by antagonism. Both nations maintain robust diplomatic ties and engage in significant economic cooperation, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to managing their differences. This duality is key to understanding how Turkey and Iran get along, even when their strategic objectives diverge.

Diplomatically, Iran is represented in Türkiye by its embassy in Ankara, and its consulates general in Istanbul, Trabzon and Erzurum. Similarly, in addition to the Turkish embassy in Tehran, Türkiye has consulates general in Tabriz, Orumiyeh and Mashhad. This extensive diplomatic presence underscores a mutual commitment to maintaining open channels of communication, even during periods of heightened tension. Turkey is notably more diplomatic in its engagements with Iran than Israel is, reflecting a long-standing policy of non-confrontation and a preference for dialogue over escalation. This diplomatic pragmatism is crucial for de-escalating potential crises and finding common ground where possible.

Furthermore, energy cooperation has emerged as a significant appeasement mechanism for Turkey towards Iran. As Ankara needs Tehran’s support for certain foreign policy goals, and given Iran’s vast energy resources, energy trade provides a vital economic incentive for maintaining cordial relations. This strategic imperative often overrides political disagreements, illustrating how practical considerations can temper ideological divides and contribute to a degree of stability in their otherwise turbulent relationship.

Economic Ties: A Pillar of Stability Amidst Discord

One of the most compelling aspects of the Turkey-Iran relationship, which often provides a counterbalance to their geopolitical rivalries, is their strong economic partnership. Despite international sanctions against Iran, Turkey has emphasized its commitment to maintaining strong trade relations, and Turkey is one of Iran’s most important trading partners. This unwavering commitment to trade highlights a shared understanding that economic interdependence can serve as a crucial stabilizing factor, even when political tensions flare. The answer to "Do Turkey and Iran get along?" in the economic sphere is a resounding 'yes,' driven by mutual benefit and strategic necessity.

Trade Volumes and Future Projections

The volume of trade exchanges between Iran and Turkey has consistently been substantial, defying external pressures and demonstrating the resilience of their economic ties. The value of trade exchanges between Iran and Turkey is expected to reach $16 billion by March 2025. This ambitious target underscores the mutual desire to deepen economic cooperation, particularly in sectors like energy, tourism, and various goods. Turkey, a significant energy consumer, relies on Iranian gas, while Iran benefits from Turkish goods and access to international markets through Turkey. This symbiotic relationship provides a strong incentive for both nations to manage their political differences carefully, as a severe deterioration of relations would have significant economic repercussions for both.

Beyond bilateral trade, there is also potential for cooperation on regional transportation networks, such as the aforementioned format intended to bring together Russia, Turkey, and Iran along with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to work together on security, economic, and transportation affairs. Such initiatives, if fully realized, could further entrench economic ties and create shared stakes in regional stability, making it harder for political disagreements to spiral out of control. The economic dimension thus acts as a crucial anchor, preventing the relationship from being solely defined by competition and conflict, and offering a practical answer to how Turkey and Iran get along despite their differences.

Cultural and Religious Dynamics: Bridging or Widening Divides?

Beyond the geopolitical and economic spheres, the cultural and religious dimensions play a significant, albeit often subtle, role in shaping the relationship between Turkey and Iran. While both are predominantly Muslim nations, their distinct interpretations of Islam and their historical legacies have at times created points of contention. The question of "Do Turkey and Iran get along?" also has a cultural and religious layer, where commonalities can exist alongside efforts to exert soft power.

The Alevi Question and Religious Soft Power

A notable example of religious influence attempts is Iran's historical efforts to expand its influence among the Alevi community in Turkey. Although the majority of Alevis in Turkey embraced secular values, were loyal to Turkey, and supported the Republican People's Party, Iran attempted to grow its influence over Alevis, while also attempting to convert them into the mainstream Twelver Shi'ism practiced in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan. This effort to exert religious soft power highlights Iran's broader regional strategy to bolster Shi'ite influence, which Turkey views with suspicion, particularly given its own secular-leaning state identity and Sunni majority population. Such attempts, while not always successful, contribute to a sense of underlying ideological competition between the two nations.

Historically, there have also been direct accusations and counter-accusations that reveal deep-seated mistrust. At one point, Iranian officials claimed that the Turkish air force bombed a village in northwest Iran. Turkey countered with claims that members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) and their alleged allies in the Turkish Hezbollah were responsible for a series of assassinations of prominent Turkish secularists. While these specific incidents might be isolated, they underscore the historical baggage and the potential for religious or ideological differences to be weaponized in political discourse. Despite these instances, the vast majority of cultural exchange, particularly in areas like literature, art, and tourism, continues without overt friction, suggesting that popular cultural ties can often transcend state-level political and religious rivalries, offering a more nuanced perspective on how Turkey and Iran get along on a day-to-day basis.

Counterterrorism and Drug Trafficking: Areas of Mutual Interest

Despite the pervasive competition and ideological differences that often define the relationship, there are critical areas where Turkey and Iran find compelling reasons for cooperation. These shared challenges, particularly in counterterrorism and combating illicit trafficking, offer a practical answer to the question, "Do Turkey and Iran get along?" in specific, mutually beneficial contexts.

Both Turkey and Iran face significant threats from various terrorist organizations operating in their shared neighbourhood. For Turkey, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its affiliates remain a primary concern, while Iran grapples with Sunni extremist groups along its western borders. This shared vulnerability to non-state actors creates a common ground for intelligence sharing and coordinated action. Although a significant shift in their relationship might not be on the horizon, cooperation is expected to persist in counterterrorism, fighting drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes. The porous borders and the complex regional dynamics necessitate a degree of collaboration to ensure national security for both states.

Furthermore, the fight against drug trafficking, particularly from Afghanistan through Iran and into Turkey en route to Europe, is another area where pragmatic cooperation is essential. Both countries are transit routes for illicit narcotics, and the societal and economic costs of this trade are immense. Therefore, joint efforts to interdict drug shipments, share intelligence on trafficking networks, and coordinate border security measures are in their mutual interest. These functional areas of cooperation demonstrate that while the overarching geopolitical narrative might be one of rivalry, practical necessities often compel Ankara and Tehran to set aside their differences and work together, providing a pragmatic dimension to how Turkey and Iran get along.

Looking Ahead: The Future Trajectory of Turkey-Iran Relations

The intricate relationship between Turkey and Iran is a dynamic one, constantly evolving in response to regional shifts and global pressures. After decades of managing tensions through careful balancing, Turkey and Iran now find themselves increasingly at odds following recent shifts in the regional balance of power. Yet, simultaneously, they are bound by geography, economic necessity, and shared security concerns. So, do Turkey and Iran get along, or are they destined for perpetual rivalry?

The answer likely lies in a continued state of complex coexistence. While the proxy conflicts in Syria and the competition for influence in the Caucasus will likely persist, driven by differing regional visions and national interests, the economic lifeline of trade and energy cooperation provides a strong incentive for stability. Experts in Tehran warn about Iran’s declining regional influence and Ankara’s ambition to restore the Ottoman Empire, indicating a deep-seated suspicion that will continue to colour their interactions. However, the pragmatic need for cooperation in areas like counterterrorism and drug trafficking ensures that channels of communication and collaboration will remain open.

A significant shift in their relationship might not be on the horizon, meaning a complete alignment of interests is unlikely. Instead, we can expect a continuation of the current pattern: a mix of intense competition, strategic cooperation where interests converge, and a constant diplomatic dance to manage tensions. The future trajectory will depend on how adeptly both Ankara and Tehran navigate the delicate balance between their competing ambitions and their shared vulnerabilities in a volatile region. Ultimately, Turkey and Iran will continue to "get along" in the sense that they will manage their complex relationship through a combination of rivalry and necessary engagement, always seeking to maximize their own interests while avoiding outright confrontation.

Historical Context: A Border Unchanged for Centuries
The Proxy Chessboard: Syria and Regional Influence
- Syria: A Battleground of Ideologies
Beyond Syria: Competing Ambitions in the Caucasus and Beyond
- The Caucasus: A New Arena for Influence
Navigating Tensions: Diplomacy, Trade, and Energy Cooperation
Economic Ties: A Pillar of Stability Amidst Discord
- Trade Volumes and Future Projections
Cultural and Religious Dynamics: Bridging or Widening Divides?
- The Alevi Question and Religious Soft Power
Counterterrorism and Drug Trafficking: Areas of Mutual Interest
Looking Ahead: The Future Trajectory of Turkey-Iran Relations

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