According to a report by Iran International on Monday, December 16, 2024, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan drops a bold statement on Iran, signaling a significant shift in the dynamics between Ankara and Tehran.
The rivalry between the two nations has intensified following the downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key ally of Iran.
In his own words, “Iran will learn lessons in the new period.” Turkey’s emergence as a leading power broker in Syria has not gone unnoticed by Iran. The Islamic Republic had long considered Syria a crucial part of its regional influence, and Assad’s ousting has dealt a significant blow to Iran’s ambitions.
Fidan’s statement suggests that Turkey is poised to assert its dominance in the region, and Iran will be forced to adapt to this new reality. The Turkish Foreign Minister’s words are likely to be seen as a warning to Iran, emphasizing that Turkey will no longer tolerate Iran’s meddling in regional affairs.
The rivalry between Turkey and Iran is not new, but it has taken on a new dimension in recent months. The two nations have competing interests in Syria, Iraq, and other parts of the Middle East. Turkey’s growing influence in the region is seen as a threat by Iran, which has long considered itself the dominant power in the region.
Despite these tensions, Turkey and Iran have maintained diplomatic relations, and Fidan has held talks with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, to discuss regional issues and bilateral ties. However, the underlying rivalry between the two nations is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon.
