Assessment of the strategic position of Türkiye and Iran in Middle East

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of University of Bojnord (Political Science, Humanities Faculty, University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran)

2 PhD student in International Relations, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

10.22124/wp.2026.33442.3658

Abstract

With the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8, 2024 the regional dynamics of the Middle East changed and the gap between Iran and Turkey became more apparent. What is important is the impact of this crisis on the strategic position of these two regional powers. The research question is what impact did the fall of Assad have on the balance of power between Iran and Turkey in the Middle East and the geopolitical position of each? the research findings show the strengthening of Turkey's regional position, increasing influence in Syria along with playing a role in the formation of a new government, implementing economic and transit projects; In contrast, Iran's strategic position and regional influence decreased, which is reflected in the "reduction of strategic depth", the decline in bargaining power in the regional arena. These trends have led to the intensification of competition between Turkey and Iran (in Syria, Iraq and the Caucasus) and have placed their relationship in a competitive framework, leading to only limited cooperation.

Keywords

World Politics

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 May 2026

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