Iran’s nuclear ambitions shape Israel-Türkiye tensions

Iran’s nuclear ambitions continue to shape regional tensions in the Middle East, particularly among key powers such as Israel and Türkiye, according to political analyst Dr Zaur Gasimov.

Speaking to AnewZ from Istanbul, Gasimov said that while the interests of Iran, Israel and Türkiye diverge sharply across several theatres, including Syria and other parts of the Arab world, there are also limited areas of overlapping concern.

“The interests of Iran, Israel and Türkiye are different in many parts of the Middle East, in Syria and across the wider Arab world,” he said. “But there are also points of common interest, even if they are perceived very differently”.

Gasimov stressed that Iran’s nuclear programme remains the most sensitive issue, arguing that it cuts across regional rivalries and security calculations.

“At the end of the day, it is the nuclear issue,” he said.

“Iran’s programme does not correspond with the interests of any country in the region. It would dramatically change the symmetry of power and strategic potential.”

• 'No nuclear weapons': U.S. warns Iran to make a deal, or face a worse attack
• A diplomatic tightrope: How Türkiye and Azerbaijan are moving to de-escalate Iran-U.S. tensions

According to the expert, this concern creates a rare point of consensus among regional actors who otherwise compete for influence, adding that no regional power would benefit from a fundamental shift in the strategic balance.

Conditions for peace

He highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a quiet intermediary, noting that Baku has for several years sought to facilitate dialogue between Israel and Türkiye amid fluctuating relations between the two states.

Gasimov argued that despite past crises, there remains untapped potential in Turkish–Israeli relations.

“There are chapters in the book of Turkish–Israeli relations that can still be deepened,” he said.

He underlined that sustained dialogue between Ankara and Jerusalem is essential for long-term regional stability, even if both capitals define peace differently.

“The dialogue of these two regional powers is essential for long-term peace,” Gasimov said.

“That peace is perceived differently in Jerusalem and in Ankara, but it ultimately comes down to what serves the long-term interests of both the Jewish state and Türkiye,” the expert concluded.

Tags

News Politics Iran Israel Türkiye View Nuclear Energy