Ankara and Tehran have a longstanding relationship rooted in the ties between the first shah of the Pahlavi dynasty, Reza, and Atatürk. Recently, eyebrows have been raised due to frequent meetings of Turkish officials with their Iranian counterparts. Foreign Minister Khan Fidan has stated that he believes pro-Iranian militias in Iraq are ready to deal with the Kurdish underground (PKK) in the Sinjar region of northern Iraq.
This revelation has caused concern from Israel’s perspective, especially in light of Turkish anti-Israeli measures, such as stopping trade with Israel. Additionally, a meeting between Fidan and the chairman of the umbrella organization of pro-Iranian militias, “Hashad al-Shaabi,” took place about two months before the Iranian attack on Israel. Fidan has led an aggressive approach towards Israel, including involvement in projects that rival Israeli initiatives.
Despite initial hopes for cooperation with Israel, Fidan’s recent statements indicate a different direction. He sees potential security partners in the pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and suggests that a larger conflict could arise between Israel and Iran. While negotiations are ongoing between Israel and Hamas through different mediators, Fidan’s comments shed light on Turkey’s role in the region.
In regards to the Palestinian issue and the Gaza Strip, Fidan advocates for a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders. This stance differs from previous Turkish policies and may indicate a shift in approach towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite ongoing tensions in the region, Fidan remains hopeful for a resolution that could prevent further conflict.