The escalating tensions in Iran, marked by recent attacks and geopolitical maneuvers, are not merely a regional concern but a direct threat to Turkey’s security and stability. As a neighboring country with deep historical and strategic ties to the region, Turkey cannot remain indifferent to the destabilization of Iran, which could have far-reaching consequences for the entire Middle East, including Turkish national interests. In the Turkish press’ view, the aggressive actions targeting Iran, often backed by Western powers and Israel, represent a broader agenda of regional domination that could undermine Turkey’s sovereignty and regional influence if left unchecked.
A new opinion article in the Turkish pro-government newspaper Yeni Şafak has highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing how Western powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have actively participated in or supported attacks on Iran. According to the columnist Selçuk Türkyılmaz, Germany’s involvement, for instance, includes the use of tanker aircraft to refuel U.S. planes during operations. At the same time, the U.S. has openly acknowledged its direct role in strikes against Iranian targets. This overt military collaboration with Israel, described by some as transforming the state into a “military base colony” for Western interests, raises serious concerns about the broader implications for regional stability, particularly for Turkey, which shares a border with Iran and faces its security challenges.
The inconsistency of Western leaders in addressing the Iran-Israel conflict further complicates the situation. French President Emmanuel Macron, for instance, has displayed a wavering stance since the events of October 7, 2023. While reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense, Macron has also subtly left room for criticism by referencing “attacks on Iran and its nuclear program.” This zigzag approach, likely driven by France’s diminished role in global politics and its alignment with the U.S. and UK, reflects a broader opportunism among Western nations to exploit tensions for strategic gains. Such opportunism, however, only fuels instability in a region already burdened by conflict, posing indirect but significant risks to Turkey’s borders and interests.
Germany, on the other hand, has shown unwavering support for Israel, providing military aid and political backing under the guise of “state reason.” This support, according to Türkyılmaz, often justified by historical narratives, masks a deeper ideological alignment with expansionist policies that date back long before the 20th century. German politicians have avoided explicitly mentioning attacks on Iran, yet their complicity in military operations reveals a more aggressive posture. This ideological aggression, coupled with the use of advanced warfare technologies in conflict zones like Palestine—viewed by some as a testing ground—signals a dangerous precedent that could embolden further incursions into neighboring states, including those close to Turkey.
For Turkey, the destabilization of Iran is not just a distant concern but a direct threat to national security. Türkyılmaz stresses that the Turkish state, guided by a pragmatic understanding of regional dynamics, has long perceived such actions as part of a broader Western agenda to reshape the Middle East, often at the expense of sovereign nations. Iran’s potential collapse or weakening could create a power vacuum, inviting further chaos and extremist ideologies to spill over into Turkish territory. Moreover, Turkey’s historical role as a stabilizing force in the region is jeopardized by these developments, necessitating a proactive stance to safeguard its borders and influence. As extremist views continue to find traction among Western elites—contrary to the more cautious attitudes of ordinary citizens—Turkey must remain vigilant, recognizing that the attacks on Iran are, in essence, a warning of potential threats to its existence.