Tehran’s recent setbacks have paved the way for Ankara’s ascent. The Ankara-backed Azerbaijan’s triumph over Tehran-backed Armenia, Turkish-supported militias outmaneuvering Iran’s influence in Syria,

Turkey and Iran have been regional rivals for decades, with Syria as a key battleground. The ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December significantly shifted the power dynamics in the country, strengthening Ankara's position while weakening Iran's influence.

Iran has also been investing in a north-south economic corridor that will link the Caucasus and Russia with the Persian Gulf.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman has reacted to the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's statements against Iran's regional policies.

Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the chargé d’affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Ankara on Tuesday for discussions on bilateral issues, a spokesperson for the ministry confirmed.

Iran and Turkey engage in diplomatic discussions after Turkey criticizes Iran's support for militias. The discussions emphasize avoiding remarks that could escalate tensions. Both nations stress focusing on Middle Eastern issues rather than using foreign policy for domestic politics,

Turkey has started importing Turkmen natural gas through Iran as part of a barter arrangement, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.