Vantage | Why Iran-Turkiye 'friendship' may not last beyond this war

West Asia, a region steeped in history, is a complex web of partnerships and rivalries. Despite historical animosities, countries find themselves forging alliances in the face of common threats. The recent Israel-Hamas war has played a pivotal role in reshaping these dynamics, polarising an already tense region.

Iran’s stance Iran, a historical adversary of Israel, has not shied away from expressing its disdain for the nation. The country actively funds Hamas and various proxy groups across West Asia, aligning itself with the Palestinian cause. The Israel-Hamas conflict became a catalyst prompting Iran to stand firmly in support of the Palestinians. Turkey’s unique approach In contrast, Turkey, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adopted a different approach. Erdogan, envisioning himself as the spiritual successor to the last Ottoman Khalif emerged as a vocal critic of Israel during the war. He consistently highlighted the plight of Muslims in other nations, particularly in Gaza. “(Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, who has carried out one of the biggest cruelties of the last century in Gaza, has already written his name in history as ’the butcher of Gaza’,” said President Erdogan. Temporary unity The war saw an unexpected alignment between Iran and Turkey, historical rivals in the region. Both nations expressed solidarity with the Palestinians hinting at a potential shift in regional dynamics. However, recent events cast a shadow over this newfound unity. Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi was slated to visit Turkey, marking his first official visit. However, the visit was abruptly cancelled or, at the very least, postponed, leaving observers puzzled. The lack of explanation from both Ankara and Tehran adds to the ambiguity surrounding the situation. Potential points of friction The abrupt change in plans raises questions about the underlying issues that might have derailed the emerging friendship between Iran and Turkey. While both nations rallied against Israel during the conflict deeper disagreements persist. • Economic ties with Israel: Turkey, despite Erdogan’s strong rhetoric against Israel maintains economic ties with the nation. Reports suggest that Iran seeks a change in this status quo, urging Erdogan to sever economic links with Israel == a move Ankara seems reluctant to make. • Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Iran and Turkey find themselves on opposite sides of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, particularly concerning the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan clashes with Iran’s historical backing of Armenia creating a longstanding rift. The proposed trade route between Azerbaijan and Turkey, if realised, could further strain relations. This potential route, cutting near Iran’s northern border, threatens to isolate Iran from a historical ally, exacerbating the existing fault lines in their relationship. West Asia remains a region marked by intricate alliances and deep-seated rivalries. The Israel-Hamas war briefly brought Iran and Turkey together, but underlying issues and historical disputes continue to hinder the formation of a united front. As the region grapples with shifting dynamics, the delicate balance of partnerships and rivalries will undoubtedly shape its geopolitical landscape in the years to come. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.