Türkiye and the War on Iran:

As tensions escalate following Israeli-American attacks on Iran, Türkiye finds itself navigating a highly sensitive geopolitical landscape. A member of NATO and a direct neighbor of Iran, linked through shared borders, trade ties, and various bilateral agreements, Ankara faces growing pressure to manage an increasingly volatile regional environment with caution. The escalation of the conflict carries significant implications for Türkiye’s strategic, economic, and security interests, both directly and indirectly. At this critical juncture, Türkiye’s longstanding balancing strategy is being put to its most difficult test, as it seeks to reconcile its obligations to the Atlantic alliance with its complex relationship with Iran, while preserving its regional role and shielding itself from the fallout of a widening war.

In this context, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs convened an online discussion to examine Türkiye’s position toward the war and assess the risks and opportunities the conflict presents for Ankara. The discussion explored several key questions: How can Türkiye balance its NATO commitments with its sensitive ties to Iran while safeguarding its role in the region? What are the implications of the war for the Turkish economy and national security? To what extent can Ankara’s diplomatic efforts help contain the conflict and prevent further escalation? And how is the war shaping domestic political debate in Türkiye, including the calculations of both the government and the opposition?