TEHRAN: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s anticipated visit to Turkiye, initially delayed twice, is set to take place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East. The recent flare-up of the Israel-Hamas conflict has triggered a chain reaction, impacting regional dynamics.
The ongoing war in Gaza has led to increased hostilities and military actions across the Middle East. The United States and Britain have intensified joint air strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen in response to attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes. Simultaneously, Israel has targeted Tehran-linked figures in Syria, and the prospect of a full-scale conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon looms.
The rapid escalation in the Middle East forced Raisi to reschedule his visit twice. Initially planned for November and later postponed to January, the visits were affected by external events, including the twin blasts at the shrine of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and scheduling conflicts related to the Gaza war.
The complexities in the relationship between Turkiye and Iran come to the forefront amid the ongoing turmoil. While Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan portrays Iran-backed Hamas as “liberators,” differences emerge with widespread anger in Iran regarding Turkiye’s diplomatic and trade ties with Israel. Erdogan’s initial defense of Israel’s right to respond to Hamas raids underscores the nuanced nature of the two countries’ relationship.
Raisi’s visit aims to address these complexities, with discussions expected to focus on the evolving Middle East scenario. Turkiye and Iran, with a shared border and a history of economic cooperation mixed with diplomatic tensions, navigate through multifaceted issues, including their roles in Syria and conflicts in the Caucasus.
The Gaza war has, in some ways, shifted attention away from existing disputes, prompting the leaders to explore joint approaches to regional challenges. As Raisi leads a high-ranking political and economic delegation, the visit may result in symbolic measures concerning Palestine. However, the primary focus appears to be on containing the conflict’s escalation and ensuring regional stability.
