The Need for Prudence in Iran-Turkey Relations

Iran and Turkey, two powerful, non-Arab countries of the Muslim world, have enjoyed historical relations. In the dire situation of Middle East in these days, to sustain such a historical relation, more attention is needed. Common threats compel the two countries to cooperate. Turkey is currently facing various domestic and international crises. Political crises inside the country and regional worries about the Kurds, the Syrians, and ISIS have brought the country face-to-face with several challenges.

At the same time, Ankara is accused by Russia of collaborating with ISIS and buying oil from this terrorist group. This claim has brought Russia-Turkey relations to a boiling point. Russian officials have claimed that they possess evidence which proves Ankara is purchasing oil from ISIS. Turkish officials on the other hand have disputed the claim and President Erdogan has said that he would resign if such claims hold true.

Amid such a tension, Iran should either opt for a neutral position and remain silent, or use its capacity to broker reconciliation between Russia and Turkey. It is true that as a Middle East power, Iran is concerned about its own national security, hence its reaction to regional developments, but the dire circumstances in the region call for more collaboration and discretion. Apparently, voices inside the country prefer to fan the flames instead. One well-known political and military figure [former IRGC Commander Mohsen Rezaei] has claimed that Iran possesses evidence that Russia has spoken about. Ankara’s furious reaction to such claims was predictable.

For Turks, it is important to know where Iran is standing in the middle of this dispute. Iran and Turkey hold extensive trade relations. Turkey is a customer of Iran’s oil and Iran hosts the transit pipeline that brings Turkmen gas from Central Asia to Turkey. Ankara expects Tehran, with whom it has signed a border security agreement, to act more prudently. Such issues should come into consideration before making controversial remarks. In one sense, Erdogan’s recent warning to Iran was a call for non-intervention in the dispute between Ankara and Moscow.

* This piece was originally published in Iranian Diplomacy Persian. Bahram Amir Ahmadian is a Middle East affairs’ analyst.