Photo: memleket.com.tr
Turkey sees the possible complete weakening of Iran and the sole growth of Israel’s influence in the Middle East as a serious geopolitical imbalance and a threat to its own security. This was stated by the coordinator of Levant studies at the Centre for Middle East Studies (ORSAM) Oytun Orhan, Ukrinform reports.
“Power vacuum” and the risk of terrorism
According to the expert, the destabilisation of Iran could lead to a “power vacuum” similar to the situation in Syria and Iraq, which would create favourable conditions for the spread of terrorist organisations. “This poses a direct challenge to Turkey’s security, because we do not want to see a region where Israel gains a sole advantage,” Orhan said.
Ankara’s active diplomacy
To prevent further escalation, Turkey has launched a series of diplomatic initiatives involving key players in the region. The aim of these efforts is to reduce the intensity of the conflict and avoid a large-scale shift in the balance of power.
The position of the Gulf states
At the same time, the Gulf states also perceive a regional war as a threat to themselves. However, they seek a certain weakening of Iran, which, according to Orhan, complicates the “regional equation” and forces Turkey to seek a balance between counteraction and cooperation.
