Firas Elias, a professor ofpolitical science at the University of Mosul and an expert in Iranian-Turkishaffairs, told Shafaq News that while Turkiye and Iran have historically avoideddirect confrontation, they have persistently worked to undermine each other’spositions in Iraq and Syria, noting that “deep-rooted distrust remains betweenthe two nations, making Iran’s efforts to rebuild ties with Ankara increasinglydifficult.”
Diplomatic clashes and militaryconfrontations have shaped the two countries’ relations since January 2025.Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan publicly criticized Iran’s “expansionistpolicies,” arguing that Tehran’s involvement in Iraq and Syria has been costlywith little strategic gain. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson EsmaeilBaqaei dismissed the claims, accusing Turkiye of ignoring US and Israeliinvolvement in regional instability.
Tensions spiked by March afterTurkish airstrikes targeted Iranian-aligned factions’ positions in Syria,prompting Tehran to accuse Ankara of “violating Syria’s sovereignty.”Meanwhile, Iran-backed groups in Iraq threatened retaliation against Turkish forces.
The recent SDF-Damascus agreementhas weakened Iran’s influence in Syria, stripping it of a key bargaining tool,according to experts. The deal, announced Monday, coincided with Turkiye’sintensified military operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) andits affiliates in Iraq and Syria.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Tehran-Ankara power struggle escalates over regional dominance )
Also on site :