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Top Turkish and Saudi officials last week paid separate visits to Tehran, where they brought to the table the common concerns they share and possible ways to cooperate. Traditionally, Turkiye, Iran and Saudi Arabia stand as the major regional powers in the Middle East. Neither their cooperation nor their competition takes place in a vacuum; rather, regional and international dynamics play a critical role and the nature of their relationships is shaped by these dynamics.
In the past two decades, Ankara’s relations with both Riyadh and Tehran have gone through numerous ups and downs. In the 2000s, the regional balance of power, which was in favor of Iran due to the outcome of the US invasion of Iraq, pushed Turkiye and Saudi Arabia to develop closer relations. In the 2010s, when Turkish-Saudi relations were strained due to regional developments, Ankara and Tehran engaged in cooperation on specific dossiers, such as Syria.
However, in international politics, there are no permanent enemies or alliances, only permanent interests. The Middle East has proven this many times: Yesterday’s foe can become tomorrow’s ally. Changing geopolitics and emerging insecurities often push countries to set ideological differences aside for the sake of regional stability. We are now witnessing the unfolding of a similar situation.
When it comes to Riyadh and Ankara’s relations with Tehran, cooperation and competition occur in tandem and this creates a kind of balance. But it would be naive to argue that the differing regional aspirations of these states do not exist. The recent intensification of contact between them appears to go beyond just diplomatic activity; rather, it reflects an effort to change the nature of their relationships. Their diplomatic patterns also show that these three powers are seeking an alternative framework for regional cooperation — one that goes beyond their bilateral engagements toward a more tripartite collaboration.
Turkiye and Iran are neighbors that differ on several regional fronts. However, the dynamics of their relations fluctuate between managed rivalry and cooperation. The compartmentalization of different issues has been the primary driver of the relationship between Tehran and Ankara.
Moreover, Turkiye has been one of the supporters of the Saudi-Iranian reconciliation. The shifting security dynamics and power configurations in the region, as well as how these shifts are perceived by Tehran and Riyadh, constitute a primary factor behind the durability of their reconciliation. The interplay of security concerns, solidarity around Gaza and regional issues have been key to the ongoing process between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Today, there is a normative consensus among these three powers on the Palestinian issue and a shared search for “regional solidarity.” At a joint press conference, the Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers stated that they regard Israel as “the biggest threat to stability in the Middle East,” citing the situation in Gaza, tensions in Lebanon and Syria, and broader concerns over Israel’s “expansionist policies.”
Although all three states have a firm stance vis-a-vis Israel, their current alignment is not ideological but rather pragmatic.
Dr. Sinem Cengiz
Statements made by officials highlight that the region is not entering but is already in a sensitive phase, with attention focused on how their relations might defuse the tensions that could risk pushing the region toward a new round of confrontation. When Israel attacked Iran in June, Ankara argued that Tehran had the “legitimate” right to defend itself. This echoes the view in Riyadh, which also publicly condemned Israel’s actions.
Israeli attacks have fundamentally altered these countries’ regional perceptions. For a long time, Iran was viewed as the main destabilizer in the region, both by Turkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council states. However, Israel has effectively taken over that role today. This view was reflected in remarks made by some GCC officials, who warned against the dangers of isolating Iran. That is why both Turkiye and the GCC states want to leverage their ties with the West to avoid isolating Iran in the region in the face of Israeli aggression.
Moreover, Iran’s proxy network has been significantly weakened. Today’s Iran is different from that of a decade ago. Accordingly, parameters have changed and perceptions have shifted.
Tehran is also signaling that it wants to leverage the new diplomatic openings with Ankara and Riyadh. Although all three states have a firm stance vis-a-vis Israel, their current alignment is not ideological but rather pragmatic. However, they need to utilize effective regional institutions to strengthen their alignment. Their existing memberships — such as Turkiye in NATO, Saudi Arabia in the GCC and Iran in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization — do not have region-wide implications for their tripartite cooperation.
Yet, there is an organization of which these three powers are all members and that can be used as a platform to address their common concerns. Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are all active members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which serves as a significant venue for these states to demonstrate their engagement in regional conflicts. Although the OIC has the potential to play a pivotal role in advocating for peace, it is crucial that its members take further steps to ensure that the Israeli aggression comes to an end.
As key OIC members, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Iran are deeply concerned about the potential for regional destabilization, if not outright war. The cooperation they pursued during the Gaza war, even at the level of a joint diplomatic front, was significant. Continuous and more concrete efforts for a similar kind of cooperation are necessary for them to deepen their cooperation and strengthen the role and status of the OIC.
- Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye’s relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz