Why Iran’s Stability is a Strategic Priority for Türkiye?

Mustafa Caner, a researcher at SETA and the Editor-in-Chief of Kriter, shared his expert analysis on the complex dynamics between Türkiye and Iran during a recent broadcast. Discussing the ongoing protests in Iran and their implications for regional stability, Caner highlighted why Türkiye views its neighbor through a lens of both competition and deep-rooted historical cooperation. Mustafa Caner commented on the internal unrest in Iran, aligning with recent diplomatic assessments that the state remains functional. He interpreted Hakan Fidan’s remarks as suggesting that, despite the intensity of the protests, the Iranian regime possesses significant administrative and security capacity to maintain control over its 90-million-strong population. He pointed out that, as previously stated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the collapse of the Iranian state is not a likely or expected scenario in the short term due to this deeply embedded institutional strength. Regarding the historical context of the relationship, Caner emphasized the unique stability between the two nations. He said that Türkiye and Iran are "ancient neighbors" who have maintained a largely unchanged border for nearly 400 years—a rarity in a region defined by shifting frontiers. He pointed out that while the two powers often find themselves on opposing sides in regional theaters like Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, they have mastered a "rational balance" that allows for continued cooperation in energy, trade, and border security. Mustafa Caner made a strong emphasis on Türkiye’s national interest in a unified Iran. He said that the fragmentation or destabilization of Iran would lead to a severe regional security scenario, particularly for Türkiye. He pointed out that for Ankara, the territorial integrity of Iran is a vital security priority, as any power vacuum or civil chaos across the border would directly export instability, migration, and terrorism risks into Turkish territory. https://twitter.com/setavakfi http://www.facebook.com/setav