Rising Turkey-Iran Tensions,Erdogan’s True Motives Unveiled..

Syria : The growing tensions between Turkey and Iran have sparked renewed debate about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s true intentions in the Middle East. Since the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, experts had predicted a potential conflict of interest between Turkey and Iran, two regional powers with competing political and religious influences. With Assad’s exit, Turkey sees a strategic victory, while Iran perceives it as a significant geopolitical setback.

The turning point in the conflict came with the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, which played a crucial role in forcing Assad out of power. Turkey has been a key supporter of this group, aligning itself with Syria’s Sunni Muslim majority, while Iran backed the Alawite Shia-led Assad regime for decades. Given that Iran is a Shiite-majority nation, its influence in Syria remained strong as long as Assad held power. However, with his departure, Turkey’s dominance in the region has increased, leading to heightened friction between Ankara and Tehran.

Turkey’s involvement in Syria has long been driven by both political and ideological factors. Erdogan’s government has consistently supported Sunni opposition groups, aiming to reshape Syria’s political landscape in its favor. On the other hand, Iran has been a major ally of the Assad regime, providing military and financial support to maintain its foothold in the region. With Syria now undergoing a power transition, Iran fears losing its stronghold, while Turkey sees an opportunity to expand its influence.

Iran’s leadership has expressed concerns over Turkey’s increasing assertiveness, accusing Ankara of destabilizing the region. Meanwhile, Erdogan has positioned himself as a protector of Sunni interests and a dominant force in Middle Eastern politics. The rising Turkey-Iran rivalry could reshape regional alliances, with both nations vying for control over Syria’s political future.

As diplomatic efforts between Turkey and Iran remain tense, the future of Syria hangs in the balance. Analysts warn that continued friction could escalate into direct confrontations, affecting not only Syria but also the broader Middle East. Whether Erdogan’s ambitions will lead to a long-term Turkish presence in Syria or a diplomatic standoff with Iran remains to be seen.